verb

speak

SPEEK/spiːk/

To communicate through a language's spoken words.

A young man speaks to an older woman who listens attentively.

A young man visibly addresses an attentive older woman, his mouth mid-word and one hand making a small conversational gesture; her closed mouth and attentive gaze distinguish speaking from listening.

Etymology

speakOld Englishutter words articulately

Old English sprecan already meant articulating words, having the power of speech, and conversing with others. The modern sense preserves that core meaning; its deeper ancestry remains uncertain.

In context

Totally-LA3:55

what walk away has done for me is provided a place for me to speak my politics to say proudly that i am a woman of color who supports this nation

Singer Joy Villa Delivers Passionate Speech at #WalkAway Rally

More examples

Do you speak Spanish?
We spoke on the phone yesterday.
Please speak slowly so everyone can understand you.

Forms

speak · speaks · spoke · spoken · speaking

speaker noun — A person who communicates using spoken words.

speech noun — Communication through the use of spoken words.

Similar words

talk: Usually emphasizes conversation rather than ability in a language.
converse: Specifically means exchanging spoken thoughts with another person.
say: Focuses on the particular words someone utters aloud.