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Spoken Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
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spoken

[หˆspษ™สŠkษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

language

expressed in spoken words rather than written

Synonyms

oral, verbal, vocal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spoken

Used when referring to communication or words that are said rather than written or done through actions.

  • She appreciated the spoken words of encouragement
  • They communicated via spoken languages
verbal

Often used in both formal and informal settings to describe communication involving words, either spoken or written, but more commonly spoken. It can sometimes have a legal connotation.

  • She gave a verbal agreement to the terms
  • The teacher reprimanded the student for verbal abuse
oral

Primarily used in formal contexts, such as academic or legal settings, to refer to spoken communication, examinations, or traditions passed down by word of mouth.

  • He had to pass an oral examination to qualify for the position
  • Oral histories can provide valuable insights into the past
vocal

Describes spoken communication or expressions vocalized loudly and clearly, often used to emphasize someone is outspoken or to describe singing.

  • He is very vocal about his opinions on the subject
  • The choir has some excellent vocal performances

Examples of usage

  • He preferred to communicate through spoken language rather than written messages.
  • She was able to understand the nuances of the spoken word.
  • His spoken English is fluent and easy to understand.
Context #2 | Verb

past tense

the past participle of speak

Synonyms

communicated, conversed, talked.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spoken

Appropriate for referring to anything that has been verbally communicated or said. It can also highlight distinctions between written and verbal forms of communication.

  • He has spoken at many conferences.
  • The spoken word can have a powerful impact.
talked

Commonly used in everyday contexts for any general verbal interaction. It carries a neutral tone and can be used equally in both informal and semi-formal situations.

  • We talked about our plans for the weekend.
  • Have you talked to her about the meeting?
communicated

Best suited for formal or professional contexts, referring to the act of transferring information from one person to another, not limited to verbal communication.

  • The results were communicated to the team via email.
  • He communicated his ideas clearly.
conversed

Refers to engaging in a two-way, generally informal, dialogue. Often implies a more in-depth or meaningful interaction.

  • They conversed for hours about their experiences.
  • We conversed with the new neighbors over dinner.

Examples of usage

  • She had spoken with him earlier.
  • They had not spoken for years.
  • I thought I had spoken to you about this before.
Context #3 | Noun

language

the act of speaking

Synonyms

speech, utterance, verbal communication.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spoken

Used to describe something that is directly said out loud.

  • He has never spoken to me about his plans
  • Her spoken words were hard to understand due to the noise
speech

Refers to a formal talk given to an audience or the act of speaking.

  • She gave an inspiring speech at the conference
  • His speech was full of powerful messages
verbal communication

Refers to the process of speaking to convey information; used in more technical or professional contexts.

  • Effective verbal communication is crucial in a team setting
  • They focused on improving their verbal communication skills
utterance

Describes a short or complete verbal statement; often used in a more formal or academic context.

  • His sudden utterance surprised everyone in the room
  • The professor analyzed each utterance made by the students during the debate

Examples of usage

  • Her spoken was clear and articulate.
  • He was praised for his eloquent spoken.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • Spoken language is often more informal than written language, allowing for colloquialisms and slangs.
  • Tone, pitch, and speed in spoken communication can change the meaning of a word significantly.
  • Studies show that non-verbal cues like gestures play a crucial role in how spoken words are understood.

Cultural Insights

  • In many cultures, storytelling is a vital way to pass down traditions and values, often relying heavily on spoken language.
  • Oral traditions remain prominent in various indigenous communities, preserving history through spoken word rather than writing.
  • Spoken word poetry has emerged as a powerful artistic movement, expressing deep emotions and social issues through rhythmic speech.

Technology

  • Voice recognition technologies have advanced to understand spoken commands, impacting how we interact with devices.
  • Speech-to-text software allows people to convert spoken words into written form, aiding those with disabilities.
  • Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa rely heavily on spoken input to process user commands effectively.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that speaking your thoughts aloud can aid in memory retention and problem-solving.
  • Human emotions are often conveyed more vividly through spoken communication compared to written text.
  • The 'choking' phenomenon in public speaking reflects how anxiety can impact verbal communication, underscoring the importance of confidence when speaking.

Origin of 'spoken'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English 'spcฤ“on', which meant to speak or talk.
  • The past tense form comes from Middle English, reflecting a change from the original root regarding sound production.
  • Related words in other languages include 'parler' in French and 'parlare' in Italian, showcasing a common root in communication.

The word 'spoken' originated from the Middle English word 'spokun', which is the past participle of 'speak'. The use of spoken language has been a fundamental aspect of human communication throughout history. From ancient oral traditions to modern-day conversations, spoken language plays a crucial role in conveying thoughts, emotions, and information. The evolution of spoken language has been influenced by various factors such as cultural changes, technological advancements, and linguistic developments.

See also: outspoken, speak, speaker, unspoken.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,586, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.