Main Entry: speak

Pronunciation: \ˈspēk\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): spoke \ˈspōk\; spo·ken \ˈspō-kən\; speak·ing

Etymology: Middle English speken, from Old English sprecan, specan; akin to Old High German sprehhan to speak, Greek spharageisthai to crackle

Date: before 12th century

intransitive verb 1 a : to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice : talk b (1) : to express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally (2) : to extend a greeting (3) : to be friendly enough to engage in conversation <still were not speaking after the dispute> c (1) : to express oneself before a group (2) : to address one's remarks <speak to the issue>
2 a : to make a written statement <his diaries…spoke…of his entrancement with death — Sy Kahn> b : to use such an expression —often used in the phrase so to speak <was at the enemy's gates, so to speak — C. S. Forester> c : to serve as spokesperson
3 a : to express feelings by other than verbal means <actions speak louder than words> b : signal c : to be interesting or attractive : appeal <great music…speaks directly to the emotions — A. N. Whitehead>
4 : to make a request or claim —used with for —usually used in passive constructions <the seat was already spoken for>
5 : to make a characteristic or natural sound <all at once the thunder spoke — George Meredith>
6 a : testify b : to be indicative or suggestive <his gold…spoke of riches in the land — Julian Dana>transitive verb 1 a (1) : to utter with the speaking voice : pronounce (2) : to give a recitation of : declaim b : to express orally : declare <free to speak their minds> c : address, accost; especially : hail
2 : to make known in writing : state
3 : to use or be able to use in speaking <speaks Spanish>
4 : to indicate by other than verbal means
5 archaic : describe, depict

— speak·able \ˈspē-kə-bəl\ adjective

— to speak of : worthy of mention or notice —usually used in negative constructions <no progress to speak of>