speak

verb (SAY WORDS)

/spiːk/ (spoke, spoken)

Definition

A1 [I or T] to say words, to use the voice, or to have a conversation with someone: Would you mind speaking more slowly, please?mainly UK "Can I speak to Ian please?"mainly US "Can I speak with Ian please?" "Speaking." (= This is Ian.) If he tells Julie what I said, I'll never speak to him again.formal She spoke of her sadness over her father's death. She speaks very highly of (= says good things about) the new director. I can certainly come but I can't speak for my wife (= I can't tell you whether she can or not).formal Who is going to speak for (= represent in a court of law) the accused? He's old enough to speak for himself (= to say what he thinks). I went with Ava - speaking of (= on the subject of) Ava, have you seen her new haircut? We've been invited to Rachel and Jamie's wedding - speaking of which, did you know that they're moving to Ealing? Speaking as (= with my experience as) a mother of four, I can tell you that children are exhausting. Sue speaks with an American accent. Why are you speaking in a whisper (= very quietly)? For five whole minutes, neither of them spoke a word (= they both said nothing).Saying and utteringSaying again broadly, historically, strictly, etc. speaking B2 talking from a particular point of view: Historically speaking, the island is of great interest. Generally speaking, it's quite a good school. Strictly speaking (= if I behave according to the rules), I should report it to the police.Lecturing and addressing speak to sb › to tell someone that they have done something wrong: The manager promised that she would speak to the person responsible.Chastising and rebuking

(Definition of speak verb (SAY WORDS) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)