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| speak [ speek ] (past spoke [ spōk ] or spake (archaic) [ spayk ], past participle spo·ken [ spṓkən ], present participle speak·ing, 3rd person present singular speaks) |
verb |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb talk: to utter words or articulate sounds with the voice, or communicate something orally
  so shocked I could hardly speak
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2. intransitive verb express thoughts and opinions: to communicate thoughts, opinions, or feelings by uttering with the voice
speak your mind
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3. transitive verb be able to use language: to know and be able to converse in a particular language
learning to speak French
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4. intransitive verb be on good terms: to be on good and friendly terms with somebody
They're not speaking anymore.
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5. intransitive verb deliver speech to audience: to make a speech or deliver an address
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6. transitive and intransitive verb express in writing: to express something or make a statement in writing
Her poetry speaks of the joy of solitude.
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7. transitive and intransitive verb communicate nonverbally: to communicate something by other than verbal means
Actions speak louder than words.
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8. intransitive verb make characteristic sound: to produce or make a sound characteristic of its kind
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9. transitive verb communicate with another seagoing vessel: to communicate with another vessel at sea
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10. transitive verb indicate something: to be a sign or indication of something
Her poise spoke of impressive self-confidence.
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| [ Old English specan, sprecan< Indo-European] |
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| speak·a·ble adjective |
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so to speak used to indicate that you are expressing something in an unusual way, e.g. that you are being euphemistic
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something speaks for itself something has an obvious meaning and needs no further explanation
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to speak of significant or worth mentioning
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