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speak

verb \ˈspēk\

: to say words in order to express your thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc., to someone : to talk to someone

: to talk about a particular subject or person

: to say words to express yourself in a particular way

spoke \ˈspōk\ spo·ken \ˈspō-kən\ speak·ing

Full Definition of SPEAK

intransitive verb

a : to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice : talk

b (1) : to express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally (2) : to extend a greeting (3) : to be friendly enough to engage in conversation <still were not speaking after the dispute>

c (1) : to express oneself before a group (2) : to address one's remarks <speak to the issue>

a : to make a written statement <his diaries…spoke…of his entrancement with death — Sy Kahn>

b : to use such an expression —often used in the phrase so to speak <was at the enemy's gates, so to speak — C. S. Forester>

c : to serve as spokesperson

a : to express feelings by other than verbal means <actions speak louder than words>

b : signal

c : to be interesting or attractive : appeal <great music…speaks directly to the emotions — A. N. Whitehead>

: to make a request or claim —used with for —usually used in passive constructions <the seat was already spoken for>

: to make a characteristic or natural sound <all at once the thunder spoke — George Meredith>

a : testify

b : to be indicative or suggestive <his gold…spoke of riches in the land — Julian Dana>

transitive verb

a (1) : to utter with the speaking voice : pronounce (2) : to give a recitation of : declaim

b : to express orally : declare <free to speak their minds>

c : address, accost; especially : hail

: to make known in writing : state

: to use or be able to use in speaking <speaks Spanish>

: to indicate by other than verbal means

archaic : describe, depict

— speak·able \ˈspē-kə-bəl\ adjective

— to speak of

: worthy of mention or notice —usually used in negative constructions <no progress to speak of>

See speak defined for English-language learners

See speak defined for kids

Origin of SPEAK

Middle English speken, from Old English sprecan, specan; akin to Old High German sprehhan to speak, Greek spharageisthai to crackle

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SPEAK

Synonyms: articulate, bring out, enunciate, pass, say, state, talk, tell, utter, verbalize, vocalize

Rhymes with SPEAK

beak, bleak, cheek, chic, cleek, clique, creak, creek, Creek, eke, flic, freak, geek, gleek, Greek, keek, leak, leek, meek, peak, peek, peke, pic, pique, reek, screak, seek, sheikh, shriek, sic, Sikh, sleek, sneak, squeak, steek, streak, streek, teak, tweak, weak, week

SPEAKABLE Defined for Kids

speak

verb \ˈspēk\

spoke \ˈspōk\spo·ken \ˈspō-kən\speak·ing

Definition of SPEAK for Kids

: to utter words : talk <He speaks too fast.>

: to utter in words <Does he speak the truth?>

: to mention in speech or writing <She spoke of being ill.>

: to use or be able to use in talking <Can you speak Spanish?>

— speak out

: to express an opinion openly

— speak up

: to speak loudly and clearly

: to express an opinion openly

Synonym Discussion of SPEAK

speak, talk, and converse mean to express in words. speak is used of anything said, whether it is understood or not and whether it is heard or not. <We didn't know what language they were speaking.> talk is used when there is a listener who understands what is said and often when both people do some speaking. <We talked about school.> converse is used for the exchange of thoughts and opinions. <The scientists conversed about traveling in space.>