English · Common Verbs
speak
/spiːk/
[/spiːk/]
talk, express in words
Beginnerverb
Definition
To say words in order to communicate, or to be able to use a language. It is slightly more formal than 'talk'.
Example
She can speak four languages fluently and is now learning a fifth.
She can speak four languages fluently and is now learning a fifth.
Etymology
From Old English 'specan' / 'sprecan' (to speak), from a Germanic root.
How & Where It’s Used
A core everyday verb for talking and using language.