Speaking: meaning, definitions and examples

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speaking

 

[หˆspiหkษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

verbal communication

Speaking is the act of conveying information or expressing one's thoughts and feelings through verbal communication. It involves the use of sounds, words, and language to communicate. Effective speaking is essential for meaningful interactions in personal and professional settings. It can take various forms, including casual conversation, public speaking, and formal presentations.

Synonyms

conversation, talking, verbalization.

Examples of usage

  • Speaking in front of an audience can be nerve-wracking.
  • She has a talent for speaking clearly and persuasively.
  • Speaking multiple languages is a valuable skill.
Context #2 | Verb

expressing thoughts

To speak means to utter words or articulate sounds to communicate with others. It is a fundamental human activity that allows individuals to share their ideas, requests, and emotions. Speaking can occur in various formats, such as discussions, debates, or storytelling. Mastery of speaking skills enhances oneโ€™s ability to influence and engage with others.

Synonyms

articulate, express, talk.

Examples of usage

  • He enjoys speaking about his travel experiences.
  • The teacher spoke to the class about the importance of studying.
  • She spoke softly, hoping not to disturb anyone.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'speak' comes from the Old English 'specan', which dates back to at least the 10th century.
  • It is related to other Germanic languages like 'sprechen' in German and 'spreek' in Dutch, showing a common root in communication.
  • Originally, the term was more associated with making noise than structured speech as we understand it today.

Psychology

  • Speaking affects brain activities uniquely, engaging both the left and right hemispheres, enabling creativity along with logical processing.
  • The ability to speak can impact confidence levels, with studies showing those who speak clearly often feel more self-assured.
  • People often mimic othersโ€™ speaking styles subconsciously, which helps in bonding and establishing rapport during conversations.

Culture

  • Different cultures have unique ways of speaking, with languages using intonation, rhythm, and gestures to enhance meaning.
  • Public speaking skills are highly valued in many societies, often seen as a sign of leadership and credibility.
  • In ancient Rome, rhetoric was considered a vital skill, crucial for political life and social influence.

Technology

  • With advancements in AI, speech recognition and synthesis technologies are rapidly evolving, making communication with devices commonplace.
  • Smart assistants like Siri and Alexa utilize natural language processing to understand and respond to spoken queries.
  • Online platforms for speaking, like Zoom or Skype, have transformed how we connect globally, enabling virtual conversations across borders.

Education

  • Teaching speaking skills is essential in schools, as it enhances student engagement and promotes critical thinking.
  • Debate clubs and public speaking courses help individuals overcome fear and improve articulation and persuasion abilities.
  • Children learn to speak by imitating sounds and words, emphasizing the importance of listening in their developmental stages.

Translations

Translations of the word "speaking" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น falando

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคพเคค เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช sprechen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ berbicara

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณะพะฒะพั€ั–ะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ mรณwienie

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฉฑใ™

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท parler

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hablar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท konuลŸma

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋งํ•˜๊ธฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุชุญุฏุซ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mluvenรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hovorenie

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฏด่ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ govorjenje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ tala

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัำฉะนะปะตัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒšแƒแƒžแƒแƒ แƒแƒ™แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ danฤฑลŸmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hablar

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,484, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.