Language Research

speak · verb

/spiːk/Full view

Word family

Nouns: speaker, speech

Adjectives: unspeakable, speechless, outspoken, unspoken

Verbs: speak

Adverbs: unspeakably

speak (SAY WORDS)

A1 I or T to say something using your voice

Dictionary examples:

Would you mind speaking more slowly, please?

If she tells Julie what I said, I'll never speak to her again.

She spoke of her sadness over her father's death.

Everyone speaks very highly of the new director.

He's old enough to speak for himself.

I went with Alex - speaking of Alex, have you seen his new haircut?

Speaking as a mother of four, I can tell you that children are exhausting.

Sue speaks with an American accent.

For five whole minutes, neither of them spoke a word.

Learner example:

I like speaking also because I speak to everybody. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Slovak)

speak (LANGUAGE)

A1 T to be able to talk in a language

Dictionary examples:

He speaks fluent French.

How many foreign languages do you speak?

I couldn't speak a word of Spanish when I got there.

I couldn't figure out what language they were speaking.

Learner example:

I don't speak English prop[e]rly. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Urdu)

speak about/of sth

B1 to talk about something

Dictionary examples:

He refused to speak about the matter in public.

In the interview she spoke of her sadness at her mother's death.

Learner example:

They filmed the headmistress of our school. She spoke about the school's activities. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Tamil)

generally/personally, etc. speaking

B2 used to explain that you are talking about something in a general/personal, etc. way

Dictionary example:

Well, generally speaking, it's quicker if you take the train.

Learner example:

Generally speaking, the best way to keep fit is to live a healthy life. (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

speak (IN PUBLIC)

B2 I to make a speech to a large group of people

Dictionary example:

She was invited to speak at a conference in Madrid.

Learner example:

[O]n behalf of all its members, I would like to invite you to speak at one of our meetings. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

speak for/on behalf of sb ()

C1 to express the feelings, opinions, etc. of another person or a group of people

Dictionary example:

I've been chosen to speak on behalf of the whole class.

Learner example:

I am sure that I speak on behalf of the rest of the members of this club. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Portuguese)

so to speak ()

C2 used to explain that the words you are using do not have their usual meaning

Dictionary example:

That was our accommodation, so to speak.

Learner example:

In those cases, travelling turns into a sort of alienation, so to speak. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

speaks for itself

C2 If something speaks for itself, it is clear and needs no further explanation.

Dictionary example:

The school's excellent record speaks for itself.

Learner example:

On the one hand the economic success of sports events speaks for itself. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)

speak volumes

C2 If something speaks volumes, it makes an opinion, characteristic or situation very clear without the use of words.

Dictionary example:

She said very little, but her face spoke volumes.

Learner example:

It remains to be seen whether the effect of stem cells when applied to humans would be the same, but the achievements speak volumes about the fact that stem cells may one day turn a new [page] in many people's lives and let them get rid of that humiliating label of a "disabled person." (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

speak your mind

C2 to say exactly what you think without worrying if it will upset anyone

Dictionary example:

She has very strong opinions and she's not afraid to speak her mind.

Learner example:

His father is even more eccentric, speaks his mind and has no manners at all. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)

not be on speaking terms

C2 to not speak to someone because you have argued with them

Dictionary example:

My brother and I aren't on speaking terms.

Learner example:

Just imagine how many are those who hate their relatives or at least one of their relatives and aren't even on speaking terms with them or him. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Greek)

speak up

B2 to speak in a louder voice so that people can hear you

Dictionary example:

Could you speak up? We can't hear at the back.

Learner example:

First of all, I read it far too fast and in a voice that was hardly a[udi]ble, and people started to shout that they couldn't hear me and that I should speak up; it was terrible! (First Certificate in English; B2; Danish)