The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word ORATE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
O
R
A
T
E
More clues leading to the result ORATE
- Speak at length with old judge
- Preach love before reproof
- Hold forth with enough people there, no question
- Speak at length with enough for meeting, no question
- Round fee to make a formal speech
- Decorated knight on board leaving to make a speech
- Talk over singer, that’s rude ultimately
- Deliver speech in corridor at Eton
- Make speech over level of tax?
- Give speech from floor at eleven
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The straight part
We know that "make a formal speech" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case make a formal speech = orate.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ORATE mean?
ORATE verb- To speak formally; to give a speech.
- To speak passionately; to preach for or against something.
- Competent in oracy; having good speaking skills.