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Definition speak in British English

speak verb

verb
/spiːk/
1

to talk to someone about something

Example

I phoned your office and spoke to your assistant.

Example

Let me speak with Jennifer and see what she thinks.

Example

People spoke of their fear as the flood waters rose.

Example

He spoke movingly about his son's struggle with cancer.

Synonyms and related words
say talk speak
1.1

to talk about something in a particular way

Example

Let me speak frankly.

Synonyms and related words
say talk speak
2

to use your voice to talk

Example

There was a long pause before she spoke again.

Example

He spoke so softly it was difficult to hear what he said.

Synonyms and related words
say talk speak
3

to be able to talk in a particular language

Example

Do you speak Chinese?

Example

He speaks three languages.

Synonyms and related words
bilingual bilingualism code switching
4

to give a formal speech

Example

The local MP will be speaking at our graduation ceremony.

Example

Petersen spoke to an audience of 2,000 at the conference.

Synonyms and related words
address be upstanding chair
5

to express your ideas, thoughts, or opinions about something

Example

Only a small group of people dared to speak against the war.

Example

Yvonne has spoken so highly of you.

Example

You shouldn't speak ill of your father.

Synonyms and related words
say talk speak
6

to speak to someone on the telephone

Example

'Who's speaking?' 'This is Mark Richards speaking.'

Synonyms and related words
answer busy call
6.1

used for telling someone who has called you on the telephone and has asked to talk to you that they are speaking to the right person

Example

'Is Janey there, please?' 'Speaking.'

Synonyms and related words
answer busy call
7

(of a politician) to be able to communicate and connect with ordinary people

Example

His clarity of intellect was reflected in a clarity of utterance which gave him a special connection with the public, who prized him for his ability to speak human.

Definition speak in British English

Related Words

Words related to speak:

actions speak louder than words (phrase) diplo-speak (noun) no...to speak of (phrase) so to speak (phrase) speak (verb) -speak (suffix) speak for (phrasal verb) speak for itself (phrase) speak for yourself (phrase) speak in tongues (phrase) speak of (phrasal verb) speak out (phrasal verb) speak to (phrasal verb) speak true (phrase) speak up (phrasal verb) speak up for (phrasal verb) speak volumes (phrase) speak well (phrase) speak with one voice (phrase) speak your mind (phrase) out of turn (phrase) the same language (phrase) in riddles (phrase) of the devil (phrase) the facts speak for themselves (phrase)