Definition

Verb: - To express or articulate something, typically a thought, feeling, or sound, using one's voice. It means to give vocal form to something internal or unspoken.

Usage and Examples

• Basic Usage: The verb "give tongue to" is used to describe the act of vocalizing something.
  • After much thought, she finally gave tongue to her concerns about the project.
  • The poet gave tongue to the collective grief of the nation in his verses.
• Common Contexts: It is often used in formal or literary contexts to describe the expression of emotions, ideas, opinions, or sounds that were previously held back or unformed.

Advanced Usage

• Literary and Formal Expression: This phrase is more common in written English, literature, and formal speech than in casual conversation. It emphasizes the act of bringing something into spoken existence.
  • The witness, after being sworn in, gave tongue to a shocking account of the events.

Variants and Related Words

• Utter (verb): To make a sound or say something. Often interchangeable, though "utter" can refer to simpler sounds.
• Express (verb): To convey a thought or feeling in words or by gestures and conduct. A broader term than "give tongue to."
• Articulate (verb): To express an idea or feeling fluently and coherently.
• Voice (verb): To express something in words.
• Vocalize (verb): To express with the voice; to make a sound.

Synonyms

• Utter
• Express
• Voice
• Articulate
• Vocalize
• State
• Declare

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To give voice to: A very similar idiom meaning to express a thought, opinion, or feeling. It is more common in modern usage than "give tongue to."
  • The article gives voice to the frustrations of many young workers.
• To speak one's mind: To say exactly what one thinks, in a very direct manner.
• To put into words: To express a thought or feeling verbally.

Verb

1. articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
   • She expressed her anger
   • He uttered a curse