verb
1.
to articulate words in order to express thoughts
always speak clearly
Synonyms: talk, utter, verbalize, vocalize, voice
Related Word: drawl, gasp, mouth, mumble, murmur, mutter, shout, splutter, spout, whisper; descant, dilate (on or upon), expatiate, perorate; converse, discourse; allege, assert, aver, convey, declare, tell
Idioms: break silence, give voice ( or tongue or utterance) to, let fall, make public ( or known), open one's mouth ( or lips), put in ( or into) words, say one's say, speak one's piece
Contrasted words: gabble, gibber, jabber; maunder, mumble, mutter; mispronounce, misspeak
2.
Synonyms: talk 7, address, lecture, prelect
3.
to have oral command of (a language)
he speaks fluent German
Synonyms: converse (in), parley, talk, use
Idioms: be at ease in
Contrasted words: falter, hesitate, stumble