rostrum

USAGE SUMMARY

'rostrum' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun used to refer a raised platform or podium for an important person or speaker to stand on. For example, "The mayor made a speech from the rostrum to address the issues facing the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Crouched under a rostrum in 1933, he watched brownshirts and blackshirts at a rally.

The Economist

Mr Andrew Young, once a charismatic black member of Mr Carter's administration and now mayor of Atlanta, was drowned out by jeers at the convention when he took the rostrum to oppose one of Mr Jackson's vain tilts at the party platform.

The Economist

And he says he wants a broad alliance, including secular socialists, liberals and even Christians, to form a new government.Yes, say the liberals, that is the image of "the smiling Brother", Essam el-Eriani, a ubiquitous spokesman who is a model of decorum on the rostrum.

The Economist

This week, after stepping up to the rostrum for the first time to speak for Europe as prime minister of the country that will hold the EU's presidency for the next six months, he surpassed even his own standards of crass buffoonery: he likened a German MEP, who had the temerity to question Mr Berlusconi's legal entanglements, to a Nazi concentration-camp commander.

The Economist

"When you step on to the rostrum for 'Das Rheingold'," Sir Georg Solti said some 20 years ago, "you look at your hand, knowing that it will not stop for two-and-a-half hours.

The Economist

ON FEBRUARY 23rd at 7pm, in front of 35 television cameras and a live audience of 1,500 at the Grand Palais in Paris, François de Ricqlès, Christie's French vice-president, mounted the rostrum to the sound of Maria Callas singing Bellini's "Casta Diva".

The Economist

FOR as long as people have vied for sporting glory, they have also sought shortcuts to the champion's rostrum.

The Economist

Things that Tory MPs at previous, more conspiratorial conferences have muttered in the safety of bars and restaurants that their party often sounds selfish, parochial and bemused by contemporary Britain this year came direct from the rostrum.

The Economist

But by the time he stood on the rostrum at the tenth anniversary celebrations, Mao's image as the infallible leader had been badly tarnished.

The Economist

A simple apology is inadequate, and a fine would trivialise his misconduct by treating it as a mere question of monetary restitution".Mr Ford's suggestion is that the House should conclude a preliminary inquiry by the end of the year and should then summon the president to appear "not at the rostrum familiar to viewers from moments of triumph" but in the well of its chamber.

The Economist

They seem to be and are thrilled to hobnob with the most popular politician in the country.Blusukan, a habit Jokowi acquired as mayor of Solo, a small city in central Java, is a novelty in a country where politicians are usually glimpsed, if at all, on a distant rostrum.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rostrum" when referring to a formal speaking platform, especially in historical or political contexts. It adds a touch of formality and gravitas to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "rostrum" interchangeably with generic terms like "stage" or "platform" when specificity is needed. "Rostrum" implies a specific context of public speaking or performance from an elevated position.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rostrum" is as a noun, typically functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific physical object, a raised platform, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

25%

Independent

20%

Less common in

The Economist

5%

The New Yorker

3%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rostrum" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that denotes a raised platform, typically used for public speaking or performance. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans across diverse contexts, with prominence in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When writing, be mindful of the formality implied by "rostrum" and reserve its usage for cases where precision in specifying a formal elevated platform or podium is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

podium

A slightly more common and generally interchangeable term for a raised platform.

speaker's platform

A descriptive alternative emphasizing the purpose of the rostrum.

dais

Emphasizes the elevated and often ceremonial nature of the platform.

tribune

Often refers to a platform for a leader or speaker, especially in a political context.

stage

A broader term that refers to any platform where performances or speeches take place.

platform

A general term for a raised surface, lacking the specific connotation of a speaking area.

soapbox

Implies an informal and often impromptu speaking platform.

pulpit

Specifically refers to a raised platform in a church or religious setting.

ambo

A raised platform, often in a church, used for readings.

lectern

Specifically refers to a stand used to support books or notes for a speaker.

FAQs

How to use "rostrum" in a sentence?

You can use "rostrum" to describe a raised platform where a speaker stands, such as "The politician addressed the crowd from the rostrum."

What can I say instead of "rostrum"?

You can use alternatives like "podium", "dais", or "platform" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "rostrum" or "lectern"?

"Rostrum" refers to the entire platform, while "lectern" refers to the stand on which a speaker places their notes. They are related but not interchangeable.

What is the historical significance of the word "rostrum"?

The word "rostrum" originally referred to the prow of a Roman warship, used to ram enemy vessels. Later, it became the name for the platform in the Roman Forum decorated with the beaks of captured ships.