■ verb ( past spoke ; past participle spoken )
1》 say something.
↘make a speech.
↘communicate in or be able to communicate in (a specified language).
↘( ~ for ) express the views or position of.
↘( ~ out/up ) express one's opinions frankly and publicly.
↘( ~ up ) ~ more loudly.
2》 ( ~ to ) talk to in order to advise, pass on information, etc.
↘appeal or relate to.
3》 (of behaviour, an event, etc.) serve as evidence for something.
↘ archaic show or manifest to be.
4》 (of an object) make a sound.
↘(of a hound) bark.
Phrases
~ in tongues ~ in an unknown language during religious worship, regarded as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2).
~ one's mind express one's opinions frankly.
~ volumes (of a look, gesture, etc.) convey a great deal without using words.
~ well (or ill ) of praise (or criticize).
to ~ of [with negative ] used to indicate that there is very little of something: I've no capital—well, none to ~ of.
Derivatives
~able adjective
Origin
OE sprecan , later specan , of W. Gmc origin.