speak for

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speak for

The diplomat will speak for the entire delegation at the summit.

Definition

Phrasal Verb: - To express the thoughts, opinions, or wishes of another person or group; to act as a representative or advocate. This is the primary meaning, where one person voices the ideas or position of others. - To give evidence or an indication in favor of something; to be a compelling argument for. This meaning suggests that a situation or quality itself serves as a testament to something else.

Usage Examples
  • Representing others:
    • I cannot speak for my colleagues, but I personally agree with the plan. (I cannot express the opinions of my colleagues.)
    • The lawyer will speak for the defendant in court. (The lawyer will act as the defendant's legal representative.)
  • Indicating or testifying to something:
    • Her excellent record speaks for itself. (Her record is so good it needs no further explanation.)
    • The empty streets spoke for the fear people felt. (The empty streets were clear evidence of the people's fear.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to speak for itself": To be so clear, good, or obvious that no further explanation is needed.
    • The quality of his work speaks for itself. (The work's quality is its own best recommendation.)
  • "to speak for yourself": An informal expression used to disagree with a statement that someone has assumed includes you. It means "that is your opinion, not mine."
    • "We all think this is a bad idea." "Speak for yourself! I think it's worth trying."
Variants and Related Words
  • Spokesperson (n): A person who speaks for a group or organization.
    • The company's spokesperson issued a statement.
  • Representative (n): A person chosen or appointed to act or speak for another or others.
Synonyms
  • Represent: To act or speak officially for someone.
  • Advocate for: To publicly support or recommend.
  • Testify to: To serve as evidence or proof of.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Speak out: To state one's opinions publicly and forcefully, especially in defense of or against something.
    • She spoke out against the injustice.
  • Speak up:
    • To speak louder.
    • To state one's opinion openly.
Related Idioms
  • Actions speak louder than words: What someone does is more important than what they say they will do.
  • Speak volumes: To provide a lot of information, especially in an indirect way.
    • His silence on the matter spoke volumes. (His silence revealed a great deal.)
speak for

The diplomat will speak for the entire delegation at the summit.

Verb
  1. be a spokesperson for
    • He represents the Government's position