v.
Pronunciation: ' sp ē k
Function: verb
Inflected Form: spoke \ ' sp ō k \ ; spo · ken \ ' sp ō -k ə n \ ; 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 speak ing 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 ⋯ speak s 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 < speak s Spanish>
4 : to indicate by other than verbal means
5 archaic : DESCRIBE , DEPICT
– speak · able \ ' sp ē -k ə -b ə l \ adjective
– to speak of : worthy of mention or notice ― usually used in negative constructions <no progress to speak of >