Lectern vs. Lecturn — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
The correct spelling is "Lectern," and the incorrect spelling is "Lecturn." A lectern is a stand used to support reading material, like books or notes.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Lectern or Lecturn
How to spell Lectern?
Lectern
Correct Spelling
Lecturn
Incorrect Spelling
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Key Differences
Think of "lectern" as a place where you read a "lecture."
"Lectern" ends with "-ern," which sounds like "urn," but it's spelled with an "e."
Associate the spelling with similar words like "lantern," which also ends with "-ern."
Visualize a lectern with an 'E' engraved on it as a mnemonic.
Recall "e" is also in "read," and a lectern helps you while reading.
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How Do You Spell Lecturn Correctly?
Incorrect: The speaker stood behind the lecturn, ready to address the audience.
Correct: The speaker stood behind the lectern, ready to address the audience.
Incorrect: A beautiful wooden lecturn was placed at the front of the hall.
Correct: A beautiful wooden lectern was placed at the front of the hall.
Incorrect: She placed her notes on the lecturn before starting her presentation.
Correct: She placed her notes on the lectern before starting her presentation.
Incorrect: He adjusted the microphone on the lecturn before beginning his speech.
Correct: He adjusted the microphone on the lectern before beginning his speech.
Incorrect: The conference room was equipped with a microphone and a lecturn.
Correct: The conference room was equipped with a microphone and a lectern.
Lectern Definitions
A lectern is a stand for holding reading material.
The priest read from the Bible on the lectern.
Lecterns are commonly used in educational settings.
The professor kept his notes on the lectern.
A lectern can have a slanted top to help with reading.
The lectern’s slanted top made it easier to read the manuscript.
Lecterns are often found in religious buildings.
The wooden lectern in the church was ornately carved.
Lecterns may come with built-in audio systems.
The conference lectern had a built-in microphone.
A lectern (from the Latin lectus, past participle of legere, "to read") is a reading desk, with a slanted top, usually placed on a stand or affixed to some other form of support, on which documents or books are placed as support for reading aloud, as in a scripture reading, lecture, or sermon. To facilitate eye contact and improve posture when facing an audience, lecterns may have adjustable height and slant.
A tall stand with a sloping top to hold a book or notes, from which someone, typically a preacher or lecturer, can read while standing up.
A reading desk with a slanted top used to hold a sacred text from which passages are read in a religious service.
A stand that serves as a support for the notes or books of a speaker.
A stand with a slanted top used to support a bible from which passages are read during a church service.
A similar stand to support a lecturer's notes.
A choir desk, or reading desk, in some churches, from which the lections, or Scripture lessons, are chanted or read.
A reading desk, usually in the form of a stand with a slanted top that holds books or lecture notes at a height convenient for reading by a speaker who is standing. A modern lectern may be of adjustable height, and be fitted with a light to illuminate the material on the desk, and sometimes a microphone or other electrical equipment for use of a speaker.
Desk or stand with a slanted top used to hold a text at the proper height for a lecturer
Lectern Meaning in a Sentence
The guest speaker positioned her water bottle on the lectern before starting.
The lecturer approached the lectern with her notes in hand.
The lectern was moved to the center of the stage for the presentation.
A sturdy lectern is essential for any public speaking event.
The new lectern in the auditorium is adjustable for speakers of different heights.
He leaned on the lectern as he made his point to the audience.
At the debate, each participant spoke from behind the lectern.
Volunteers decorated the lectern with flowers for the ceremony.
She placed her laptop on the lectern during the lecture.
A lectern with a built-in light is useful for reading notes in dimly lit rooms.
The church donated a beautifully carved lectern to the school.
The conference featured a high-tech lectern with a touchscreen display.
A portable lectern is convenient for events held in different locations.
The lectern was equipped with a timer to help speakers keep track of their duration.
The company logo was displayed on the front of the lectern.
During the assembly, the principal spoke from a lectern on the stage.
Organizers placed the lectern strategically in front of the projector screen.
The lectern’s surface was large enough to hold all her presentation materials.
The lectern at the library’s reading room is popular for book readings.
The history professor always speaks from an antique lectern.
Adjusting the height of the lectern can make a speaker more comfortable.
A sign language interpreter stood next to the lectern during the speech.
A lectern is often seen as a symbol of authority in academic settings.
A wireless microphone was attached to the lectern for the speaker.
A lectern facing the audience allows the speaker to maintain eye contact.
Lectern Idioms & Phrases
Approach the lectern
To move towards the lectern to speak.
As the speaker approached the lectern, the room fell silent in anticipation.
Behind the lectern
Referring to the position of giving a lecture or presentation.
She felt most confident when she was behind the lectern, sharing her knowledge.
Stand at the lectern
To be positioned at the lectern for the purpose of speaking.
The professor stood at the lectern, ready to delve into the day's lecture.
Take to the lectern
To begin to speak or give a lecture at a lectern.
The guest of honor took to the lectern to deliver an inspiring speech.
Leave the lectern
To finish speaking and move away from the lectern.
After answering the final question, he thanked the audience and left the lectern.
Face the lectern
To orient oneself towards the lectern, typically before beginning to speak.
He faced the lectern, cleared his throat, and commenced his keynote address.
Illuminate the lectern
To shine light on the lectern, often for better visibility of notes.
The event staff made sure to illuminate the lectern so the speakers could easily read their notes.
Decorate the lectern
To adorn the lectern with decorative items for an event.
For the graduation ceremony, they decorated the lectern with the school's colors and flowers.
Command the lectern
To speak authoritatively or compellingly at a lectern.
The best speakers know how to command the lectern and captivate their audience.
Anchor the lectern
To stand firmly at the lectern, often implying readiness and stability.
The speaker anchored the lectern, exuding confidence and expertise.
Equip the lectern
To prepare the lectern with necessary items or technology for a presentation.
The lectern was equipped with a microphone, water, and a digital timer for the speakers.
Secure the lectern
To make sure the lectern is stable and not likely to move or tip.
Before the event began, they checked to secure the lectern against any accidental bumps.
Positioned at the lectern
Being situated at the lectern to give a speech or presentation.
Positioned at the lectern, she began her presentation on the latest research findings.
Adjust the lectern
To modify the height or position of the lectern for comfort or visibility.
Before starting, she adjusted the lectern to suit her height.
From behind the lectern
Indicating the perspective or position of someone speaking at a lectern.
From behind the lectern, the lecturer shared insights from years of research.
Around the lectern
Referring to the area or environment near the lectern where speakers or presentations occur.
The energy around the lectern was electrifying as the debate competition proceeded.
Center around the lectern
To focus or gather attention around the area of the lectern.
The audience's attention centered around the lectern as the keynote speaker prepared to speak.
At the lectern
Indicating presence at the lectern for the purpose of speaking or presenting.
At the lectern, the mayor outlined the new initiatives for city improvement.
To the lectern
Indicating movement towards the lectern to speak or present.
Next, to the lectern came a young scientist ready to present her groundbreaking findings.
Beyond the lectern
Referring to the impact or influence of what is said at the lectern, extending outside the immediate speaking event.
His words, spoken from beyond the lectern, inspired a community to action.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called Lectern?
It's called "Lectern" from the Latin "lectus," meaning to read, because it aids in reading.
Which vowel is used before Lectern?
Context-dependent; no fixed vowel.
Which preposition is used with Lectern?
"On" as in "notes on the lectern."
What is the plural form of Lectern?
The plural form is "lecterns."
What is the verb form of Lectern?
Lectern is a noun; it doesn't have a verb form.
What is the pronunciation of Lectern?
It is pronounced as /ˈlɛk.tɚn/.
What is the root word of Lectern?
The root word is the Latin "lectus," meaning to read.
Is Lectern a noun or adjective?
It is a noun.
Which conjunction is used with Lectern?
Context-dependent; no fixed conjunction.
Is Lectern a collective noun?
No.
What is the singular form of Lectern?
Lectern is already in its singular form.
What is the opposite of Lectern?
There's no direct opposite, but "floor" might be its functional opposite.
Is Lectern an adverb?
No.
How many syllables are in Lectern?
Two.
What is a stressed syllable in Lectern?
The first syllable, "Lec."
What is another term for Lectern?
Podium.
Is the word Lectern a gerund?
No.
Is the word “Lectern” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can be either, depending on the sentence.
How is Lectern used in a sentence?
"The speaker placed her notes on the lectern before beginning her lecture."
Is Lectern a vowel or consonant?
Neither, it's a noun.
Is the Lectern term a metaphor?
No, but it can be used metaphorically.
Is the word Lectern imperative?
No.
What part of speech is Lectern?
Noun.
Which determiner is used with Lectern?
Context-dependent, e.g., "the" in "the lectern."
Which article is used with Lectern?
"A" or "the" depending on the context.
Is Lectern an abstract noun?
No.
Is Lectern a negative or positive word?
Neutral.
Is Lectern a countable noun?
Yes.
How do we divide Lectern into syllables?
Lec-tern.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
