speak

Formsspeaks, speaking, spoke, spoken

1. 1
   use your voiceverbintransitive

   To say words out loud using your voice.

   Please speak a little louder so everyone can hear you.

   The baby is just beginning to speak.

   UsageSay spoke for the past and have spoken (not incorrect: have spoke).

   Similartalk

2. 2
   verbintransitivereciprocal

   To talk to someone.

   Can we speak for a minute about the trip?

   The two leaders spoke for over an hour.

   UsageSay speak to someone or speak with someone.

   Similartalk

   Note
3. 3
   know a languageverbtransitive

   To be able to use a certain language.

   She can speak three languages fluently.

   Do you speak Spanish at home?

   UsageSay speak + a language: she speaks Spanish.

   Note
4. 4
   verbintransitive

   To give a talk or speech to a group of people.

   The mayor will speak at the school tomorrow.

   She spoke to the whole company about the new plan.

   UsageSpeak at a meeting, speak to a group, speak about a topic.

   Similartalk, lecture, present

5. 5
   verbintransitive

   To talk about a subject, or of a fact or event, to show something or be connected to it, used with "to".

   The mayor will speak to the parking problem at tonight's meeting.

   Her many awards speak to how hard she works.

   UsageHer awards speak to her hard work means they show how hard she works. For discussing a subject, talk about is plainer.

   Similaraddress, attest

   Note
6. 6
   hint atverbtransitive

   To show a feeling or idea without saying it, for example through art, actions, or silence.

   Like a frown that shows you are upset without saying a word.

   Her quiet smile spoke louder than any words.

   His paintings speak of a happy childhood by the sea.

   UsageThings can speak of something: his paintings speak of a happy childhood.

   Similartell

   Note
7. 7
   verbintransitive

   To say what another person or group thinks or wants, or to act for them, used with "for".

   I can't speak for my brother, but I'd love to come to the party.

   At the meeting, one parent spoke for all the families who wanted a new playground.

   UsageSpeak for yourself means I don't agree. Spoken for means already taken.

   Similarrepresent

8. 8
   verbintransitive

   Of art, words, or an idea, to mean a lot to someone or touch their feelings, used with "to".

   That song really speaks to me because it reminds me of my grandmother.

   Her poems speak to anyone who has ever felt lonely.

   UsageIt doesn't speak to me is a polite way to say you don't like something.

   Similarappeal, move

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