spack

verb

dialectal British past tense of speak

intransitive verb

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

a

: to express feelings by other than verbal means

actions speak louder than words

b

: signal

c

: to be interesting or attractive : appeal

great music … speaks directly to the emotions

—A. N. Whitehead

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

transitive verb

1

a(1)

: to utter with the speaking voice : pronounce

(2)

: to give a recitation of : declaim

b

: to express orally : declare

free to speak their minds

c

: address, accost

especially : hail entry 3

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

5

archaic : describe, depict

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