A1verb 1K

Speak

🇬🇧 UK /["/spiːk/","/spiːks/","/spəʊk/","/ˈspəʊkən/","/ˈspiːkɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/spiːk/","/spiːks/","/spəʊk/","/ˈspəʊkən/","/ˈspiːkɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Speak

to talk to somebody about something; to have a conversation with somebody

In simple words: To say words or talk.

Speak in a sentence

• I want to speak to the teacher about my grades.
• Can you speak slowly so I can understand better?
• They will speak at the conference next week.
• I can speak three languages fluently.
• He spoke to her about his plans for the summer.
• It is important to speak your mind during discussions.

How to use Speak

Use 'speak' when talking about communication, especially in more formal contexts or when discussing languages. Avoid using it in very casual situations where 'talk' or 'chat' might be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

speak + object (e.g., speak English)

Memory hint

Think of a speaker at a podium – they are there to 'speak' to the audience.

Related words

Collocations with Speak

• briefly
• at length
• hardly
• want to
• refuse to
• dare (to)
• about
• to
• with
• be on speaking terms (with somebody)
• a/​the chance to speak
• a/​the opportunity to speak
• loudly
• quietly
• softly
• be able to
• be unable to
• can (hardly)
• about
• on
• against
• the ability to speak
• have the courage to speak
• the right to speak
• fluently
• well
• be able to
• can
• be unable to
• in
• the ability to speak something
• fluently
• well
• be able to
• can
• be unable to
• in
• the ability to speak something
• loudly
• quietly
• softly
• be able to
• be unable to
• can (hardly)
• about
• on
• against
• the ability to speak
• have the courage to speak
• the right to speak
• loudly
• quietly
• softly
• be able to
• be unable to
• can (hardly)
• about
• on
• against
• the ability to speak
• have the courage to speak
• the right to speak
• loudly
• quietly
• softly
• be able to
• be unable to
• can (hardly)
• about
• on
• against
• the ability to speak
• have the courage to speak
• the right to speak

Synonyms for Speak

• talk
• converse
• discuss
• articulate
• address

Opposites of Speak

• silence
• mumble
• whisper

Common mistakes with Speak

• 'Speak' is often confused with 'talk' – 'talk' is more casual.
• Using 'speak' with 'to' instead of 'with' when referring to conversations.
• Saying 'speaking me' instead of 'speaking to me'.

Frequently asked questions about Speak

What does Speak mean?

To say words or talk.

What is the definition of Speak?

to talk to somebody about something; to have a conversation with somebody

How do you use Speak in a sentence?

I want to speak to the teacher about my grades.

Can you give another example of Speak?

Can you speak slowly so I can understand better?

What are synonyms for Speak?

Common alternatives include talk, converse, discuss, articulate, address.

What is the opposite of Speak?

Opposite meanings include silence, mumble, whisper.

What words go with Speak?

It commonly pairs with briefly, at length, hardly, want to, refuse to, dare (to), about, to, with, be on speaking terms (with somebody), a/​the chance to speak, a/​the opportunity to speak, loudly, quietly, softly, be able to, be unable to, can (hardly), about, on, against, the ability to speak, have the courage to speak, the right to speak, fluently, well, be able to, can, be unable to, in, the ability to speak something, fluently, well, be able to, can, be unable to, in, the ability to speak something, loudly, quietly, softly, be able to, be unable to, can (hardly), about, on, against, the ability to speak, have the courage to speak, the right to speak, loudly, quietly, softly, be able to, be unable to, can (hardly), about, on, against, the ability to speak, have the courage to speak, the right to speak, loudly, quietly, softly, be able to, be unable to, can (hardly), about, on, against, the ability to speak, have the courage to speak, the right to speak.

What are common mistakes when using Speak?

'Speak' is often confused with 'talk' – 'talk' is more casual. Using 'speak' with 'to' instead of 'with' when referring to conversations. Saying 'speaking me' instead of 'speaking to me'.

How do you pronounce Speak?

US: /["/spiːk/","/spiːks/","/spəʊk/","/ˈspəʊkən/","/ˈspiːkɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/spiːk/","/spiːks/","/spəʊk/","/ˈspəʊkən/","/ˈspiːkɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Speak?

Use 'speak' when talking about communication, especially in more formal contexts or when discussing languages. Avoid using it in very casual situations where 'talk' or 'chat' might be more appropriate.

What CEFR level is Speak?

"Speak" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.