verb

spake

spayk

Spake (verb) means an old-fashioned or literary past tense of "speak.". Example: “And the old man spake unto them of times long past.”

verb

An old-fashioned or literary past tense of "speak."

"And the old man spake unto them of times long past."

How to use spake

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old-fashioned way of saying "spoke."

When to use it

Archaic; used today only for deliberate old-fashioned or biblical-sounding effect, never in ordinary modern speech.

Word forms

more spake comparative, spakes plural, Spakes plural, most spake superlative

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And the old man _____ unto them of times long past.

Etymology

An archaic past tense of "speak," common in older English and biblical translations, now surviving mainly in deliberately old-fashioned or poetic writing.

Rhymes for spake

ake take make rake wake cake lake sake bake fake jake Dake

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Frequently asked questions

What does “spake” mean?

The word “spake” means an old-fashioned or literary past tense of "speak.". In plain terms, an old-fashioned way of saying "spoke.".

How do you pronounce “spake”?

“Spake” is pronounced spayk (/speɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “spake” in a sentence?

Here is “spake” used in a sentence: “And the old man spake unto them of times long past.”

What part of speech is “spake”?

“Spake” is a verb.