Definition Synonyms
Definition of speaking - Reverso English Dictionary
Adjective
speechconnected with making spoken communication
- He attended a speaking event yesterday.
Noun
1.
communicationability to communicate vocally in a language
- Her speaking improved after living abroad.
2.
public speakingactivity of giving speeches and talks
- He enjoys speaking at conferences.
3.
stylethe manner or style of speech
- Her speaking was clear and persuasive..
Expressions with speaking
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in most cases or situations
Generally speaking, cats are independent animals.
used to introduce something related to what was just said
I saw Tom yesterday. Speaking of which, how is he doing?
scold or reprimand someone verbally for their behavior
She gave him a speaking to after he broke the vase..
used to describe talking when no one listens or responds
It felt like speaking to a wall when I explained the problem.
express communication that is ignored or unacknowledged
Talking to him was like speaking to a brick wall.
expressing agreement or approval of a statement
Now you are speaking, that's exactly what I meant!
willing to communicate after a disagreement
After their argument, they are finally on speaking terms.
used to express sincerity or truthfulness
Honestly speaking, I don't like the new policy.
from my own perspective or opinion
Personally speaking, I think the movie was too long.
act of speaking to a group of people in a structured manner
He improved his public speaking skills to enhance his career.
ability to express thoughts verbally
Her speaking skills improved after taking the public speaking course.
the tone or quality of someone's speech
His speaking voice was deep and resonant.
distinctive style of verbal expression
Her manner of speaking was calm and reassuring.
speaking a language as a first language
She is a native-speaking English teacher.
when compared to something else
Relatively speaking, this task is easier than the last one.
approximately or without exact details
Roughly speaking, the project will take six months to complete.
scheduled time for a speaker
She was given the first speaking slot at the conference.
consider thoughts carefully before saying anything aloud
Always think before speaking to avoid hurting others' feelings!
close enough for normal conversation by voice
The two houses are within speaking distance.
in general terms without details
Broadly speaking, the project was a success.
in a way that relates to the law or legal rules
Legally speaking, he did nothing wrong.
in a strict or precise way according to rules
Technically speaking, Pluto is not a planet.
in a metaphorical or symbolic way
He was, figuratively speaking, drowning in paperwork.
in an honest and direct manner
frankly speaking I don't like the new policy..
Origin of speaking
Old English, specan (to speak)
Terms with speaking included in their meaning
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communication
pay attention to someone speaking
medical
opening in the face for eating and speaking
polite request
ask someone to reduce their speaking speed
language rules
system of rules for speaking and writing
music
type of music with rhythmic speaking
communication
respond to someone by speaking or writing
public speaking
person who speaks in front of an audience
medical
muscular organ in the mouth for tasting and speaking
self correction
marks correction of one's own words while speaking
speaking
speak to a person or group
interaction
exchange information through speaking, writing, or gestures
conversation
stop someone from speaking by speaking
university class
class session mainly involving one person speaking to students
expression
manner of speaking or writing
speech
calls for attention before giving instructions or speaking
personal approval
acceptable or fine for the person speaking
communication
speaking or shouting very loudly
boasting person
person who often brags or exaggerates when speaking
playful call
move toward the man speaking, often playfully or affectionately
stop speaking
prevent oneself from speaking
conversation
interrupt someone speaking
no speaking
situation where no one speaks
writing
speaking words for someone to write down
action
act of speaking or treating someone without respect
Examples of speaking in a sentence
She joined a speaking club to improve her skills. Public speaking is a valuable skill in business. Her speaking was clear and confident during the presentation. Speaking at the event boosted her confidence. He has a passion for speaking in public forums. His speaking captivated the audience.
The professor's speaking was monotonous.
View all translations of speaking
Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
- French:de parole, expression orale, ...
- German:Sprech-, Sprechen, ...
- Italian:parlante, capacità di parlare, ...
- Spanish:oral, habla, ...
- Portuguese:de oratória, fala, ...
- Chinese:演讲的, 口语, ...
- Japanese:スピーチの, スピーキング, ...
- Arabic:شَفَهِي, المحادثة, ...
- Hebrew:שֶׁקָּשׁוּר בְּדִיבּוּר, דִּבּוּר, ...
- Russian:говорящий, разговор, ...
- Ukrainian:мовний, вміння говорити, ...
- Hindi:मौखिक, बोलने की क्षमता, ...
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
💡 Discover popular phrases, idioms, collocations, or phrasal verbs. Click any expression to learn more, listen to its pronunciation, or save it to your favorites.
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)
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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