speak

speak

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Pronunciation

• /spiːk/

Syllable Breakdown:

• /spiː/:
  
  

• /s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative

• /p/ - voiceless bilabial stop

• /iː/ - long high front vowel

• /k/:

• /k/ - voiceless velar stop

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Word Form Variations

The word "speak" is a verb, so it doesn't have a plural form. However, it does have several other word forms:

• speaks: third-person singular present tense

• speaking: present participle

• spoke: simple past tense

• spoken: past participle

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Verb

• Definition: To utter words or sounds; to express oneself in speech.

• Synonyms:

• Communicate

• Converse

• Discourse

• Orate

• Pronounce

• Utter

• Verbalize

• Antonyms:

• Be silent

• Keep quiet

• Hush

• Mute

• Definition: To address or deliver a speech.

• Synonyms:

• Address

• Lecture

• Orate

• Present

• Give a speech

• Antonyms:

• Listen

• Hear

• Definition: To use a particular language.

• Synonyms:

• Converse in

• Employ

• Use

• Antonyms:

• Be silent in

• Definition: To act or behave in a certain way.

• Synonyms:

• Indicate

• Show

• Express

• Antonyms:

• Conceal

• Hide

Noun (Informal)

• Definition: A short conversation or speech.

• Synonyms:

• Chat

• Discourse

• Discussion

• Talk

• Antonyms:

• Silence

• Quiet

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Examples of Use

• Books:

• "He spoke of his childhood with a wistful smile." (From a novel by Jane Austen)

• "The ancient scrolls spoke of forgotten gods and prophecies." (From a fantasy novel by J.R.R. Tolkien)

• Newspapers:

• "The President will speak to the nation tonight about the latest economic developments." (From a major newspaper)

• "Witnesses spoke of hearing a loud explosion before the building collapsed." (From a local newspaper report)

• Online Publications:

• "The article spoke eloquently about the importance of environmental conservation." (From a blog post on environmental issues)

• "The CEO spoke to investors about the company's future plans." (From a financial news website)

• Entertainment Mediums:

• Movies: "He spoke softly, his voice barely audible above the din of the crowd." (From a movie script)

• Television Shows: "The detective spoke to the suspect for hours, trying to elicit a confession." (From a TV show transcript)

• Music: "The song speaks of love and loss, of joy and sorrow." (From a music review)

• General Public Discourse:

• "I spoke to my boss about taking a vacation next month." (Everyday conversation)

• "The professor will speak on the history of ancient Rome at the upcoming lecture." (Announcement for an academic event)

These examples demonstrate the versatility of the word "speak" and how it is used in various forms of communication.

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10 Famous Quotes Using Speak

1. "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." – Theodore Roosevelt

2. "Think before you speak. Read before you think." – Fran Lebowitz

3. "Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes." – Maggie Kuhn

4. "First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak." – Epictetus

5. "We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak." – Epictetus

6. "Speak only if it improves upon the silence." – Mahatma Gandhi (often attributed; similar to a proverb)

7. "Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall." – Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

8. "When you speak, speak the truth; perform when you promise; discharge your debts." – Confucius

9. "Speak your mind, even if your voice trembles." – Unknown / widely used in activism and advocacy

10. "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." – Winston Churchill

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Etymology

The word "speak" has a long and interesting history! It comes from the Old English word "sprecan," which meant "to utter words articulately without singing, have or use the power of speech; make a speech; hold discourse" with others.

This Old English word itself has roots that go even further back, all the way to the Proto-Indo-European language, which is the ancestor of many modern languages. In Proto-Indo-European, the root was likely something like "*spreg-," which meant "to make a sound, utter, speak."

So, basically, the word "speak" has been around for a very long time and has changed a bit over the years, but it has always had to do with using your voice to communicate with others.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Speak

Here are some phrases and idioms that use "speak" or words related to it, and some with similar meanings:

• "Speak of the devil!" (Meaning: The person you were just talking about appears.)

• "Easier said than done." (Meaning: Something is simple to suggest but difficult to accomplish.)

• "Actions speak louder than words." (Meaning: What you do is more important than what you say.)

• "To put it mildly" (Meaning: To say something in a restrained or understated way.)

• "To mince words" (Meaning: To avoid speaking directly or frankly.)

• "To have a silver tongue" (Meaning: To be eloquent and persuasive in speech.)

• "To keep one's mouth shut" (Meaning: To refrain from speaking.)

Why fewer "speak" idioms:

• "Speak" is a very basic and frequent action. Idioms often use more figurative or unusual language.

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of speak from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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