speak

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David Lynch speaks before a group.
See also -speak

Contents

[edit] English

Most common English words: free « return « call « #354: speak » land » why » women

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Etymology

Old English spēcan, from earlier sprēcan, cf. German sprechen, Dutch spreken.

[edit] Verb

Infinitive
to speak

Third person singular
speaks or (archaic) speaketh

Simple past
spoke or (archaic) spake

Past participle
spoken

Present participle
speaking

to speak (third-person singular simple present speaks or (archaic) speaketh, present participle speaking, simple past spoke or (archaic) spake, past participle spoken)

  1. (intransitive) To communicate with one's voice, to say words out loud.
    I was so surprised I couldn't speak.
    You're speaking too fast.
  2. (intransitive) To have a conversation.
    It's been ages since we've spoken.
  3. (by extension) To communicate or converse by some means other than orally, such as writing or facial expressions.
    He spoke of it in his diary
    Speak to me only with your eyes.
    I just spoke with them on IRC.
    Actions speak louder than words.
  4. (intransitive) To deliver a message to a group; to deliver a speech.
    This evening I shall speak on the topic of correct English usage.
  5. (transitive) To be able to communicate in a language.
    He speaks Mandarin fluently.
  6. (transitive) To utter.
    I was so surprised that I couldn't speak a word.
    • 1611, Authorized King James Version (Bible translation), Jeremiah 9:5:
      And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.

[edit] Synonyms

[edit] Derived terms

phrasal verbs

idioms

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[edit] Translations

[edit] Noun

Singular
speak

Plural
uncountable

speak (uncountable)

  1. language, jargon, or terminology used uniquely in a particular environment or group.
    Corporate speak; IT speak

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] Translations

[edit] Noun

Singular
speak

Plural
speaks

speak (plural speaks)

  1. (dated) a low class bar, a speakeasy.

[edit] Anagrams