speak

/spi:k/

Thân thiện

The teacher asks the student to speak in front of the class.

Definition

1. Verb (Intransitive):

   • To utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice; to talk: To use one's voice to produce words in a language.
   • To communicate or express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally: To convey meaning through spoken language.
   • To deliver an address or discourse: To give a formal talk to an audience.
   • To make a characteristic sound: To produce a noise that conveys meaning or information.

2. Verb (Transitive):

   • To use or be able to use (a language) in oral communication: To have the ability to converse in a specified language.
   • To utter or pronounce (words): To say something specific.
   • To express or make known (something) by or as if by speaking: To communicate a thought, feeling, or fact.

Usage and Examples

• Intransitive Verb:

  • She learned to speak at an early age. (She learned to talk.)
  • May I speak with the manager? (May I have a conversation with the manager?)
  • The professor will speak at the conference. (The professor will give a formal talk.)
  • The data speaks for itself. (The data clearly demonstrates the fact without needing explanation.)

• Transitive Verb:

  • He speaks three languages fluently. (He can communicate orally in three languages.)
  • She spoke words of encouragement. (She uttered encouraging words.)
  • His actions speak volumes about his character. (His actions reveal a great deal about his character.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "So to speak": Used to indicate that one is using a figurative or metaphorical expression.
  • He is, so to speak, the heart of the project. (He is, metaphorically, the central part.)
• "Speak of the devil": Said when a person one has just been talking about appears unexpectedly.
  • "And then John walked in!" "Well, speak of the devil!"
• "Speak one's mind": To state one's opinions frankly.
  • She is not afraid to speak her mind in meetings.

Variants and Related Words

• Speaker (n): A person who speaks; someone who delivers a speech; a device that converts electrical signals into sound.
  • The speaker at the event was very inspiring.
• Speaking (adj/n): Used in or involving speech; the act of talking.
  • She has excellent speaking skills. (She is good at oral communication.)
• Spoken (adj): Communicated by speaking; oral.
  • A spoken agreement. (An agreement made orally.)

Synonyms

• Talk: To engage in conversation or express ideas in speech. (More general/conversational)
• Utter: To give audible expression to; to say something. (Often for single words/sounds)
• Address: To speak formally to an audience.
• Express: To convey (a thought or feeling) in words or by gestures and conduct.

Phrasal Verbs

• Speak up:
  • To speak louder.

    • Please speak up; we can't hear you in the back.
  • To express one's opinion openly and boldly.

    • If you disagree, you should speak up.
• Speak out: To state one's opinions publicly and forcefully, especially in defense of or against something.
  • She spoke out against the injustice.
• Speak for:
  • To express the thoughts or opinions of (someone else).

    • I can't speak for the entire team, but I support the idea.
  • To be evidence for; to indicate.

    • His generosity speaks for his good heart.
• Speak to:
  • To talk to (someone) about something.

    • I will speak to him about his behavior.
  • To give evidence or an indication of; to address (a topic).

    • This report speaks to the need for immediate action.

Idioms

• Actions speak louder than words: What someone does is more important than what they say they will do.
  • He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.
• Speak volumes: To provide a lot of information, especially in an indirect way.
  • Her silence on the matter speaks volumes.
• On speaking terms: Having a friendly enough relationship to talk politely.
  • After the argument, they are barely on speaking terms.

Học thuật

Verb

1. make a characteristic or natural sound
   • The drums spoke
2. give a speech to
   • The chairman addressed the board of trustees
3. use language
   • the baby talks already
   • the prisoner won't speak
   • they speak a strange dialect
4. exchange thoughts; talk with
   • We often talk business
   • Actions talk louder than words
5. express in speech
   • She talks a lot of nonsense
   • This depressed patient does not verbalize

Từ đồng nghĩa

• address
• talk
• utter
• mouth
• verbalize
• verbalise