v. Function: verb
1 to articulate words in order to express thoughts FF1C; always speak clearly FF1E;
Synonyms: talk, utter, verbalize, vocalize, voice
Related Words: 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) FF1C; he speaks fluent German FF1E;
Synonyms: converse (in), parley, talk, use
Idioms: be at ease in
Contrasted Words: falter, hesitate, stumble