speaking
10 synonyms and 2 antonyms for speaking, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of talking or communicating with one's voice.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use speaking
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English spekinge, spekynge, spekinde, spekende, spekande, spekand, from Old English specende, sprecende (“speaking”), from Proto-Germanic *sprekandz (“speaking”), present participle of Proto-Germanic *sprekaną (“to speak”). Equivalent to speak + -ing. Cognate with Scots speikand, speikin (“speaking”), Sater...
Full origin of speaking →Frequently asked questions
What does “speaking” mean?
The word “speaking” means the act of talking or communicating with one's voice. In plain terms, the act of talking, or an adjective describing something vivid enough to seem like it's talking, or ability in a language.
How do you pronounce “speaking”?
“Speaking” is pronounced SPEE-kihng (/ˈspi.kɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “speaking” in a sentence?
Here is “speaking” used in a sentence: “Public speaking is one of her greatest fears.”
What is the opposite of “speaking”?
The opposite of “speaking” — its antonyms — are unspeaking and nonspeaking.
What part of speech is “speaking”?
Depending on how it is used, “speaking” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “speaking” a common word?
“Speaking” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “speaking” have?
“Speaking” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of talking or communicating with one's voice.
What is the difference between speaking and talking?
Speaking and talking both mean using the voice, but speaking often suggests a more formal, deliberate, or one-directional act — addressing an audience, delivering words, or expressing something. Talking tends to be casual and two-way, the everyday back-and-forth of conversation. You give a speech by speaking, but you chat with a friend by talking.
What are the types of speaking?
Speaking is often grouped by purpose and setting. Public speaking addresses an audience, as in speeches or lectures; conversational speaking is informal exchange between people; and formal or professional speaking covers interviews, presentations, and debates. Educators also distinguish extempore, impromptu, and scripted speaking, depending on how much is prepared in advance.
Why is speaking important?
Speaking is the primary way people share ideas, build relationships, and coordinate action in real time. Clear speaking helps you be understood, persuade others, and express needs and feelings. It underpins education, work, and social life, and strong speaking skills are consistently linked to confidence and success across almost every field.
What is an example of speaking?
Any time you use your voice to communicate, you are speaking — greeting a neighbor, answering a phone call, giving a class presentation, or reading a story aloud. A politician delivering a campaign address and a child asking a question are both examples, differing only in their setting and formality.