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speak
/spiːk/
to communicate using words
She speaks three languages fluently.
She is able to communicate in three languages with great skill.
general
to express thoughts or feelings using spoken words
He spoke confidently at the conference.
He expressed his ideas clearly and assuredly during the presentation.
Can be used intransitively (speak) or transitively (speak a language).
formal
to give a speech or address an audience
The president will speak at the ceremony tomorrow.
The president will deliver a formal address at the event.
Often used in formal or ceremonial contexts.
general
to express an opinion or make a statement
She spoke out against the policy changes.
She publicly expressed her disagreement with the new regulations.
Can imply advocacy or taking a stand on an issue.
Collocations
speak upto speak louder or more clearlyspeak outto express an opinion publiclyspeak for oneselfto express one's own opinion
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Collocations
Note common phrases like 'speak up', 'speak out', and 'speak for oneself'.
Gold Rule
Transitive vs. Intransitive
Use 'speak' intransitively (e.g., 'She speaks') or transitively (e.g., 'She speaks French').
Word Origin
Old English 'sprecan', from Proto-Germanic 'sprek-', meaning 'to speak'. Related to Old Norse 'spraka' and Old High German 'sprechan'.
Usage Notes
Can be used intransitively (speak) or transitively (speak a language). Often used in formal contexts to describe public speaking or expressing opinions.
Word Breakdown
speak
to utter words
rootEnglish Dictionary