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).
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
speakable adj.
Etymology: OE sprecan, later specan