v. (past spoke; past part. spoken) 1 intr. make articulate verbal utterances in an ordinary (not singing) voice. 2 tr. a utter (words). b make known or communicate (one's opinion, the truth, etc.) in this way (never speaks sense). 3 intr. a (foll. by to, with) hold a conversation (spoke to him for an hour; spoke with them about their work). b (foll. by of) mention in writing etc. (speaks of it in his novel). c (foll. by for) articulate the feelings of (another person etc.) in speech or writing (speaks for our generation). 4 intr. (foll. by to) a address; converse with (a person etc.). b speak in confirmation of or with reference to (spoke to the resolution; can speak to his innocence). c colloq. reprove (spoke to them about their lateness). 5 intr. make a speech before an audience etc. (spoke for an hour on the topic; has a good speaking voice). 6 tr. use or be able to use (a specified language) (cannot speak French). 7 intr. (of a gun, a musical instrument, etc.) make a sound. 8 intr. (usu. foll. by to) poet. communicate feeling etc., affect, touch (the sunset spoke to her). 9 intr. (of a hound) bark. 10 tr. hail and hold communication with (a ship). 11 tr. archaic a (of conduct etc.) show (a person) to be (his conduct speaks him generous). b be evidence of (the loud laugh speaks the vacant mind). not (or nothing) to speak of not (or nothing) worth mentioning; practically not (or nothing). speak for itself need no supporting evidence. speak for oneself 1 give one's own opinions. 2 not presume to speak for others. speak one's mind speak bluntly or frankly. speak out speak loudly or freely, give one's opinion. speak up = speak out. speak volumes (of a fact etc.) be very significant. speak volumes (or well etc.) for 1 be abundant evidence of. 2 place in a favourable light. speakable adj.
[ OE sprecan, later specan ]