speech
8 synonyms and 0 antonyms for speech, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The ability to speak, or spoken language in general.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use speech
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English spǣċ/sprǣċ ("speech, discourse, language"), related to German Sprache. Comes from the same root as the verb "speak."
Full origin of speech →Frequently asked questions
What does “speech” mean?
The word “speech” means the ability to speak, or spoken language in general. In plain terms, talking, or a formal talk given to a group.
How do you pronounce “speech”?
“Speech” is pronounced speech (/spiːt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “speech” in a sentence?
Here is “speech” used in a sentence: “The stroke temporarily affected his speech.”
What is another word for “speech”?
Words with a similar meaning to “speech” include locution and parlance.
What part of speech is “speech”?
“Speech” is a noun.
Where does the word “speech” come from?
The word “speech” comes from Old English. From Old English spǣċ/sprǣċ ("speech, discourse, language"), related to German Sprache. Comes from the same root as the verb "speak.".
Is “speech” a common word?
“Speech” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “speech” have?
“Speech” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the ability to speak, or spoken language in general.
What is the difference between speech and language?
Speech is the physical act of producing spoken sounds, the ability to talk. Language is the system of words and rules behind it, which can be spoken, written, or signed. You can have language without speech, as in sign language or writing. Speech is one way of expressing language, not language itself.
What are the two main meanings of speech?
Speech has two everyday senses. The first is the general ability to speak or spoken language itself, as in 'freedom of speech' or 'she lost her speech'. The second is a formal talk given to an audience, as in 'a wedding speech'. Context makes clear which meaning is intended.
What are the parts of speech?
In grammar, the parts of speech are the categories words fall into by their job in a sentence. The main ones are noun, verb, adjective, adverb, pronoun, preposition, conjunction, and interjection. Some lists add the article or determiner. Knowing them helps explain how words combine to form meaning.
Can speech be affected by illness?
Yes. Conditions such as a stroke, brain injury, or certain neurological disorders can impair the ability to speak, sometimes called a speech disorder. Difficulties may involve forming sounds, finding words, or controlling the voice. Speech and language therapy often helps people recover or manage these changes.