1
a
: to utter words or articulate sounds with the ordinary voice : talk
b(1)
: to express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally
(2)
: to extend a greeting
(3)
: to be friendly enough to engage in conversation
still were not speaking after the dispute
c(1)
: to express oneself before a group
(2)
: to address one's remarks
speak to the issue
2
a
: to make a written statement
his diaries … spoke … of his entrancement with death—Sy Kahn
b
: to use such an expression
—often used in the phrase so to speak
was at the enemy's gates, so to speak—C. S. Forester
c
: to serve as spokesperson
3
4
: to make a request or claim
—used with for —usually used in passive constructions
the seat was already spoken for
5
: to make a characteristic or natural sound
all at once the thunder spoke—George Meredith
6
a
: testify
b
: to be indicative or suggestive
his gold … spoke of riches in the land—Julian Dana
1
2
: to make known in writing : state
3
: to use or be able to use in speaking
speaks Spanish
4
: to indicate by other than verbal means
ˌspēk
—used to form especially nonce words denoting a particular kind of jargon
Californiaspeak
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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