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speak
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- pronunciation:
- spik
- features:
- Word Builder, Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
speaks, speaking, spoke, spoken |
| definition 1: |
When you speak, you say words or talk.
When the teacher speaks, she expects the class to be quiet and listen to her.Julia's dad always speaks in a loud voice on the telephone.- synonyms:
- talk
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| definition 2: |
When you speak to someone, you communicate something to that person with your words and your voice.
My mom said she is going to speak to my doctor about my cough because I've had it a long time.- synonyms:
- talk
- similar words:
- communicate
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| definition 3: |
When someone speaks to a group of people, they give a speech, or they give a lot of information about something by talking.
When Gabby's class goes to the art museum, a guide will speak to the students.The President will be on television tonight and will speak to the country.- similar words:
- preach
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| definition 4: |
When you speak a language, you are able to talk or write to people using that language. Some people are able to speak many languages.
Anthony can speak three languages--English, Italian, and French.Anna is learning to speak Spanish because her family is going to stay in Mexico for a year.- similar words:
- communicate in, pronounce, utter
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| definition 5: |
When someone speaks your name, they say your name in their usual voice.
I heard someone speak my name, so I turned around to see who it was.- synonyms:
- say, utter
- similar words:
- call, pronounce, sound, state
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| related words: |
discuss, express, put, tell |
| contrasting words: |
mutter, whisper, yell |
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| derivation: |
speakable (adj.) |
Word Builder: speak +
- speaker1:
a person who gives a speech.
- speaker2:
the part of a radio, TV, or other device where the sound comes out.
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