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speak
intransitive verb1 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 speaking 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 spokesperson3 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…speaks 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 verb1 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 : hail2: to make known in writing : state3: to use or be able to use in speaking <speaks Spanish>4: to indicate by other than verbal means5archaic : describe
, depict
— speak·able
\ˈspē-kə-bəl\
adjective
— to speak of
: worthy of mention or notice —usually used in negative constructions <no progress to speak of>
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