speak
speek
Speak (verb) means to say words out loud; to talk. Example: “Please speak clearly so that everyone at the back can hear you.”
verb
1
To say words out loud; to talk.
"Please speak clearly so that everyone at the back can hear you."
"She spoke softly so as not to wake the baby."
"He hasn't spoken a word all morning."
2
To be able to communicate in a particular language.
"My neighbour speaks Polish and a little Spanish."
"Do you speak English, or shall I find someone who does?"
"She speaks three languages fluently."
3
To give a speech or address a group.
"The head teacher will speak to the whole school at assembly."
"Several guests were invited to speak at the charity dinner on Friday."
"The mayor is set to speak at the opening ceremony."
4
To express or reveal something without words.
"The old photographs speak of a happier time in the family."
"Her silence spoke volumes about how upset she was."
"His tired eyes spoke of many sleepless nights spent worrying about the business."
How to use speak
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo use your voice to say words, or more broadly, to communicate a language, idea, or feeling.
Common mistake
Past tense is "spoke," past participle is "spoken" — not "speaked."
Common pairings
speak up
speak your mind
speak fluently
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Word forms
- Plural
- speaks
- Third person singular
- speaks
- Past tense
- spoke, spake, spoken
- Archaic forms
- speakest, spokest, speaketh
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Please _____ clearly so that everyone at the back can hear you.
Etymology
From Old English specan/sprecan, "to speak," from a Germanic root meaning "to make a sound" — related to German sprechen and Dutch spreken.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
be silent
Related words
Rhymes for speak
See all rhymes for speak →Frequently asked questions
What does “speak” mean?
The word “speak” means to say words out loud; to talk. In plain terms, to use your voice to say words, or more broadly, to communicate a language, idea, or feeling.
How do you pronounce “speak”?
“Speak” is pronounced speek (/spik/ in IPA).
How do you use “speak” in a sentence?
Here is “speak” used in a sentence: “She speaks three languages fluently.”
What is another word for “speak”?
Words with a similar meaning to “speak” include articulate, talk, babble, verbalize, blab and chat.
What is the opposite of “speak”?
The opposite of “speak” — its antonyms — is be silent.
What part of speech is “speak”?
“Speak” is a verb.
Where does the word “speak” come from?
The word “speak” comes from Old English. From Old English specan/sprecan, "to speak," from a Germanic root meaning "to make a sound" — related to German sprechen and Dutch spreken.
Is “speak” a common word?
“Speak” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'speak' and 'talk'?
The two are very close and often interchangeable. 'Speak' tends to be slightly more formal and one-directional, as in giving a speech or asking to 'speak to the manager'. 'Talk' suggests a two-way, casual conversation, as in 'let's talk'. You speak a language, but you talk with a friend.
What is the difference between 'speak' and 'say'?
'Speak' focuses on the act of producing spoken words in general, without needing the exact words. 'Say' focuses on the actual content, on what is stated. You speak clearly or speak French, but you say a word or say that something is true. 'Say' almost always needs the message that follows.
What are the past tense forms of 'speak'?
'Speak' is irregular. Its simple past is 'spoke', as in 'she spoke yesterday', and its past participle is 'spoken', used with 'have' or 'was', as in 'I have spoken' or 'words were spoken'. The present forms are 'speak' and 'speaks', and the -ing form is 'speaking'.
Can anyone learn to speak a new language?
Most people can learn to speak a new language at any age, given practice and exposure. Speaking improves fastest through regular listening and conversation rather than study alone. Progress varies with time, motivation, and how similar the new language is to ones you already know, but fluency is a realistic goal.
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