First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
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
1
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>
2
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
3
4
: to make a request or claim —used with for —usually used in passive constructions <the seat was already spoken for>
5
: to make a characteristic or natural sound <all at once the thunder spoke — George Meredith>
6
a : testify b : to be indicative or suggestive <his gold…spoke of riches in the land — Julian Dana>
transitive verb
1
2
: to make known in writing : state
3
: to use or be able to use in speaking <speaks Spanish>
4
: to indicate by other than verbal means
5
— 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
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Origin of SPEAK
Middle English speken, from Old English sprecan, specan; akin to Old High German sprehhan to speak, Greek spharageisthai to crackle
Related to SPEAK
SPEAK Defined for Kids
speak
verb \ˈspēk\
spoke \ˈspōk\spo·ken \ˈspō-kən\speak·ing
Definition of SPEAK for Kids
1
: to utter words : talk <He speaks too fast.>
2
: to utter in words <Does he speak the truth?>
3
: to mention in speech or writing <She spoke of being ill.>
4
: to use or be able to use in talking <Can you speak Spanish?>
— speak out
: to express an opinion openly
— speak up
1
: to speak loudly and clearly
2
: 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.>
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