Definition of speak - Reverso English Dictionary
Verb
1.
languagetr./intr. know and use a languagetr./intr.
- He can speak three languages fluently.
2.
voiceintr. use voice to say wordsintr.
- She can speak clearly and confidently.
3.
communicationintr. express or indicate a fact or feelingintr.
- His actions speak of his dedication.
4.
public speakingintr. give a speech or talkintr.
- She will speak at the conference tomorrow..
5.
birdintr. Rare of a bird, reproduce human wordsintr. Rare
- The parrot can speak a few words.
6.
advocateintr. Rare represent or advocate for someoneintr. Rare
- She speaks for the entire team at meetings.
Expressions with speak
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speak on behalf of someone else
She will speak for the entire team at the meeting.
talk more loudly to be heard
Please speak up, we can't hear you.
say what you think openly, sometimes bravely or firmly
She decided to speak out against injustice.
indicate a great deal about something
His messy room speaks volumes about his organizational skills.
happening right now during the conversation
The team is working on the project as we speak.
say something contradicted by later events
He said the rain stopped, but he spoke too soon.
say words to support someone or something
She will always speak up for her friends.
be more effective to act directly than to talk about acting
Actions speak louder than words, so start fixing the problem now.
actions reveal true intentions or feelings
He didn't say much, but his actions speak volumes about his character.
talk in a way that makes someone feel less smart
Don't speak down to me like I'm a child.
be clear without needing explanation
The success of the project speaks for itself.
express genuine feelings or thoughts
She always speaks from the heart during her speeches.
say what one really thinks without holding back
He spoke his mind about the new policy.
express disagreement or criticism publicly
She decided to speak out against the new policy.
understand each other well
Despite their differences, they speak the same language at work.
results clearly show success or failure without explanation
The team's victory was so decisive, the results speak for themselves.
what someone does is more telling than what they say
She always helps others, actions speak for themselves.
qualifications or achievements are impressive without explanation
Her credentials speak for themselves; she graduated top of her class.
facts alone are enough to prove a point
In this case, the facts speak for themselves.
numbers clearly show the truth without explanation
The sales figures speak for themselves, showing a 20% increase.
used to clarify non-literal speech
She was, so to speak, glued to her phone all day.
say what you think without representing others
I speak for myself, not for the group.
indicate that your opinion is different
You think it's easy? Speak for yourself!
avoid giving a direct answer by talking indirectly
He tends to speak in circles when asked tough questions.
Origin of speak
Old English, specan (to speak)
Terms with speak included in their meaning
💡 A powerful way to uncover related words, idioms, and expressions linked by the same idea — and explore meaning beyond exact word matches.
speak aloud
pronounce words or sounds
language
speak a particular language
soft speech
speak very softly so only one person can hear
sequence
expected to act or speak next in sequence
literal action
move lips apart to speak or eat
conversation
speak with someone to share information or ideas
voice
speak loudly to attract attention
communication
speak aloud written words
medical
be unable or almost unable to speak because of illness or strain
classroom
raise a hand to get attention or permission to speak
medical
become unable to speak due to illness or strain
classroom
lift hands to ask a question or speak
truthful speech
to speak honestly without lying
speaking
speak to a person or group
quarrel
speak angrily with someone over a disagreement
performing arts
words actors speak in a play or film
communication
ability to speak or sing
speak cautiously
speak thoughtfully to avoid hurting or upsetting others
prideful talk
speak with excessive pride about oneself
preparation
prepare to speak or sing
performance
walk onto the stage to perform or speak
transcription
speak words for someone to write down
silence
not speak at all during a situation or event
insulting
speak or act in a way that insults someone
Examples of speak in a sentence
They speak Spanish at home every day. He learned to speak several languages fluently. The toddler is just beginning to speak. She can speak three languages fluently. The painting speaks to the artist's emotions. He was invited to speak at the graduation ceremony.
The professor will speak on climate change next week. The crow learned to speak from its owner. Canaries rarely speak like parrots do. He was chosen to speak on behalf of the community. The lawyer will speak for her client in court.
View all translations of speak
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:parler, dire, ...
- German:sprechen, ausdrücken, ...
- Italian:parlare, esprimersi, ...
- Spanish:hablar, decir, ...
- Portuguese:falar, expressar-se, ...
- Chinese:说, 说话, ...
- Japanese:話す, 語る, ...
- Arabic:تَكَلَّمَ, كَلَّمَ, ...
- Hebrew:לְדַבֵּר, לְדַבֵּר, ...
- Russian:говорить, произносить, ...
- Ukrainian:говорити, сказати, ...
- Hindi:बोलना, कहना, ...
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