Speak
/spiːk/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo utter words; to express oneself orally.
/spiːk/
To say something in order to convey information.
He speaks English and Spanish.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're telling your friend a secret. Speaking is like saying words to share your thoughts or ideas, like when you tell a story or ask a question. Think of it as using your voice to share something!
👶 For kids: To say words out loud.
More Examples
Please speak clearly so everyone can understand.
I need to speak to the manager.
How It's Used
"She speaks fluent French."
"The witness spoke under oath."
To use a particular language or to convey a message.
/spiːk/
To communicate or express something in a specific language.
I speak a little Italian.
💡 Simply: Speaking a language is like having a special tool to share information and connect with others, like knowing the secret codes that only you and your best friend use. If you 'speak French' you communicate with others using French.
👶 For kids: To use a language to talk.
More Examples
They speak the language of diplomacy.
The article speaks to a need for increased funding.
How It's Used
"She speaks German fluently."
To deliver a speech or presentation.
/spiːk/
To give a formal talk or presentation.
The president will speak to the nation.
💡 Simply: Think of when you're telling a story to a class. Speaking in this way means giving a talk and sharing your thoughts, information or opinions, to a group of people in an organized way.
👶 For kids: To tell a story or share information to a group of people.
More Examples
She was invited to speak about her research.
He spoke eloquently on the topic of climate change.
How It's Used
"He will speak at the conference next week."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
speak your mind
To express your opinion or thoughts honestly and frankly.
"Don't be afraid to speak your mind."
speak volumes
To convey a lot of information or reveal something without words.
"Her silence spoke volumes."
From Old English *specan*, related to German *sprechen* and Latin *loqui*. Ultimately from Proto-Germanic *sprekaną*.
Used since Old English, the verb has consistently meant to use language to communicate, evolvement in usage has been limited.
Memory tip
Imagine a speech bubble coming out of your mouth.
Word Origin
"to speak, talk"