speak

verb
UK: /spiːk/
US: /spiːk/

  1. To say words; to communicate verbally.

    1. Can you speak louder, please? I can't hear you. [ ] [ ]
    2. She can speak three languages fluently, including Mandarin. [ ] [ ]

  2. To give a formal talk or speech to an audience.

    1. I will speak at the conference next week about climate change. [ ] [ ]
    2. He was invited to speak about his experiences as a refugee. [ ] [ ]

  3. To have a conversation with someone.

    1. I need to speak with you about your performance at work. [ ] [ ]
    2. Could I speak to the manager, please, regarding this issue? [ ] [ ]

  4. To express thoughts or feelings.

    1. Actions speak louder than words, sometimes it's true. [ ] [ ]
    2. His eyes speak volumes about the pain he's trying to hide. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

talk communicate utter converse declare state address
speak noun

  1. The act of speaking or a formal speech.

    1. He gave a short speak at the meeting last night. [ ] [ ]
    2. The speaker's speak was very inspiring and thought-provoking. [ ] [ ]
speak phrasal-verb

  1. Used in some phrasal verbs to modify or specify the action.

    1. Let's speak up if we have any concerns about the new policy. [ ] [ ]
    2. The data speaks for itself, showing a significant increase in sales. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "speak" in English means: To say words; to communicate verbally., To give a formal talk or speech to an audience., To have a conversation with someone., To express thoughts or feelings..

The phonetic transcription of "speak" is /spiːk/ in British English and /spiːk/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "speak": talk, communicate, utter, converse, declare, state, address.

Example usage of "speak": "Can you speak louder, please? I can't hear you.". More examples on the page.