World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesSpeak
/spiːk/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To say words in order to convey information, opinions, or feelings.
"She loves to speak in front of large audiences." - 2
To communicate in a particular language.
"He can speak three languages fluently."
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Derived from the Old English verb 'sprecan', meaning to speak, talk, or exclaim, which traces back to Proto-Germanic '*sprekaną'. Over centuries, the middle 'r' was dropped in Middle English, leading to the modern form.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Speak"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Speak" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
parler
Transliteration: par-lay
"Elle aime parler en public."
sprechen
Transliteration: shpre-khen
"Er kann gut sprechen."
parlare
Transliteration: par-lah-reh
"Mi piace parlare con gli amici."
hablar
Transliteration: ah-blar
"Ella quiere hablar con su profesor."
falar
Transliteration: fah-lar
"Ele gosta de falar sobre livros."
बोलना
Transliteration: bolna
"वह लोगों से बोलना पसंद करता है।"
说
Transliteration: shuō
"她喜欢说中文。"
말하다
Transliteration: malhada
"그는 영어로 말하는 것을 좋아합니다."
話す
Transliteration: hanasu
"彼女は日本語を話すのが得意です。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA sudden strong and unreflected urge or desire to act.
An official interview given to journalists by a public figure or organization in order to make an announcement or answer questions.
A person connected by blood or marriage who shares a common ancestor with someone else, but not through a close, immediate line of descent such as parents, siblings, or first cousins.
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