1 -speak | Definition of -speak

speak

verb
\ ˈspēk How to pronounce speak (audio) \
spoke\ ˈspōk How to pronounce spoke (audio) \; spoken\ ˈspō-​kən How to pronounce spoken (audio) \; speaking

Definition of speak

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1a : 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
2a : 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
3a : 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
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
6a : testify
b : to be indicative or suggestive his gold … spoke of riches in the land— Julian Dana

transitive verb

1a(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
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 archaic : describe, depict
to speak of
: worthy of mention or notice usually used in negative constructions no progress to speak of
\ ˌspēk\

Definition of -speak (Entry 2 of 2)

used to form especially nonce words denoting a particular kind of jargon Californiaspeak

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Other Words from speak

Verb

speakable \ ˈspē-​kə-​bəl How to pronounce speakable (audio) \ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for speak

Verb

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.

Examples of speak in a Sentence

Verb

Have you two spoken since yesterday? She and I spoke this morning. He never speaks at the meetings. Without speaking, she walked from the room. They were speaking in Japanese. When I said you were my best friend, I was speaking sincerely. She must be speaking the truth. Not a word was spoken between them the whole time. He has laryngitis and can't speak. She speaks with a Southern accent.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

If the gag order stands, Duque could face a 10-year prison sentence for speaking on the impunity surrounding her case. Lydia Belanger, Fortune, "The 10 Most Urgent Cases of Injustice Against the Press This Month," 3 Sep. 2019 Colts General Manager Chris Ballard spoke Sunday evening about the importance of having a competent backup quarterback on the roster. Joel A. Erickson, Indianapolis Star, "Colts land backup QB, sign Brian Hoyer to 3-year, $12 million contract," 2 Sep. 2019 Harbaugh and Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti both spoke optimistically about what Ray might do with a fresh start. Childs Walker, baltimoresun.com, "Five Things We Learned from the Ravens’ 2019 roster cuts," 1 Sep. 2019 The spokesman was not authorized to publicly discuss the negotiations and spoke only on condition of anonymity. Deb Riechmann, chicagotribune.com, "U.S. is ‘getting close’ to deal with Taliban, will withdraw 5,000 soldiers from Afghanistan, Trump says," 30 Aug. 2019 Managing shareholder Tony Marré recently spoke with The Texas Lawbook about how the firm managed to cross the $1 billion threshhold. Claire Poole, Houston Chronicle, "Houston’s Wilson Cribbs & Goren joins billion-dollar real estate club," 30 Aug. 2019 As the president spoke on television on August 23rd about the fires, there were pot-banging protests in prosperous parts of cities, which helped to elect him. The Economist, "The Amazon’s fires could burn Jair Bolsonaro," 29 Aug. 2019 Others spoke about the plan’s traffic implications or unwarranted changes to on-street parking. San Diego Union-Tribune, "‘Leave Shelter Island alone’ — community rejects port’s changes to waterfront areas," 29 Aug. 2019 Nick Saban spoke to the media during the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday.