Dictionary monolingual
English
Speak
spik
Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Speak -
To communicate verbally; to utter words
Example: She speaks English fluently.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional settings
Note: Commonly used to indicate language proficiency or ability
To give a speech or address a group of people
Example: The president will speak at the conference tomorrow.
Usage: formalContext: public speaking events or formal gatherings
Note: Often used in the context of presentations or public appearances
To have a conversation or engage in verbal communication
Example: Let's speak about our plans for the weekend.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations with friends or family
Note: Used in everyday interactions to suggest dialogue or discussion
To express one's thoughts or opinions on a particular topic
Example: I need to speak with you about the project deadline.
Usage: formalContext: workplace or professional settings
Note: Implies a need for communication or discussion on a specific matter
To make a sound or noise
Example: The clock on the wall speaks every hour.
Usage: formalContext: describing inanimate objects or nature
Note: Used poetically or metaphorically to describe sounds
Speak's synonyms
talk
To communicate by speaking or to have a conversation.
Example: She loves to talk about her travels.
Note: Similar in meaning to 'speak,' but can imply a more informal or casual conversation.
converse
To engage in conversation or dialogue with someone.
Example: They sat down to converse about the project.
Note: More formal or sophisticated than 'speak,' often used in professional or academic settings.
communicate
To convey information or ideas to someone through speech, writing, gestures, etc.
Example: It's important to communicate clearly with your team.
Note: Broader term that includes speaking as one of the ways to convey information, can also refer to non-verbal forms of communication.
express
To convey or show one's thoughts, feelings, or ideas through words, actions, or other means.
Example: She expressed her opinions on the matter.
Note: Focuses more on conveying thoughts or emotions rather than simply speaking.
utter
To speak or pronounce something aloud.
Example: He uttered a few words of gratitude before leaving.
Note: More formal or literary term for speaking, often used in written or formal contexts.
Speak expressions, common phrases
Speak up
To speak louder or more clearly.
Example: Can you speak up? I can't hear you.
Note: The addition of 'up' changes the meaning to emphasize speaking more loudly or clearly.
Speak your mind
To express your thoughts or opinions openly and honestly.
Example: Feel free to speak your mind during the meeting.
Note: This idiom emphasizes expressing one's thoughts freely and openly.
Speak volumes
To convey a great deal of information or emotion without words.
Example: Her silence speaks volumes about her disappointment.
Note: This idiom implies that actions or expressions can communicate a lot without speaking.
Speak of the devil
Said when someone mentioned in the conversation appears unexpectedly.
Example: Oh, speak of the devil! We were just talking about you.
Note: This phrase is used when the person being talked about suddenly appears or is mentioned.
Speak for itself
To be clear or obvious without needing further explanation.
Example: The quality of their work speaks for itself.
Note: This phrase implies that something is so evident or well-done that it doesn't require additional clarification.
Speak out
To express one's opinions or beliefs openly and strongly.
Example: It's important to speak out against injustice.
Note: This phrase emphasizes voicing opinions or concerns boldly and publicly.
Speak one's language
To communicate in a way that is easily understood or relatable to someone.
Example: The new teacher speaks the students' language when it comes to technology.
Note: This phrase means to adjust one's communication style to match the preferences or understanding of the other person.
Speak in tongues
To speak in a language unknown to the speaker, often associated with spiritual or religious contexts.
Example: Some believe that speaking in tongues is a gift from the Holy Spirit.
Note: This phrase refers to speaking in a mystical or unknown language, usually within a religious or spiritual context.
Speak off the cuff
To speak without preparation or rehearsal; improvising.
Example: I didn't prepare a speech; I'll just speak off the cuff.
Note: This phrase indicates speaking spontaneously without prior planning or rehearsal.
Speak everyday (slang) expressions
Chit-chat
Casual conversation or small talk.
Example: Let's skip the chit-chat and get straight to the point.
Note: More informal and less serious than 'speak'.
Rumor has it
Indicates that the information being spoken is based on rumors or word of mouth.
Example: Rumor has it that she's planning to quit her job.
Note: Conveys a sense of uncertainty compared to stating facts when speaking.
Yammer
To talk incessantly or noisily.
Example: Stop yammering and let me concentrate.
Note: Implies a negative connotation of constant, annoying speech.
Jabber
To talk rapidly and excitedly, often in a foolish or nonsensical way.
Example: She always jabbers on the phone for hours.
Note: Emphasizes fast, sometimes senseless speech.
Spill the tea
To share gossip or reveal information that is potentially scandalous or secretive.
Example: Girl, spill the tea! What's the juicy gossip?
Note: A trendy slang term for revealing exciting or scandalous secrets.
Shoot the breeze
To engage in casual conversation or idle chatter.
Example: Let's just shoot the breeze and relax for a bit.
Note: Conveys a sense of leisurely and laid-back interaction.
Gossip
Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people's private lives.
Example: I heard some juicy gossip about Sarah's new relationship.
Note: Often related to sharing personal or sensational information rather than general speaking.
Speak - Examples
She speaks three languages fluently.
The teacher spoke about the importance of education.
They were speaking quietly in the corner.
Speak grammar
Speak - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: speak
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): spoke
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): spoken
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): speaking
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): speaks
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): speak
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): speak
Syllables, Separation and Stress
speak Contains 1 syllables: speak
Phonetic transcription: ˈspēk
speak , ˈspēk (The red syllable is stressed)
Speak - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
speak: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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