speaking

[spee-king]

noun

1. the act, utterance, or discourse of a person who speaks.

2. speakings, literary works composed for recitation, as ancient bardic poetry; oral literature.

adjective

1. that speaks.

2. used in, suited to, or involving speaking or talking.

   the speaking voice.

3. of or relating to declamation.

4. giving information as if by speech.

   a speaking proof of a thing.

5. highly expressive.

   speaking eyes.

6. lifelike.

   a speaking likeness.

speaking

/ ˈspiːkɪŋ /

adjective

1. (prenominal) eloquent, impressive, or striking

2. 1. able to speak

   2. (in combination) able to speak a particular language

      French-speaking

Other Word Forms

• speakingly adverb
• speakingness noun
• nonspeaking adjective
• well-speaking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of speaking¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; speak, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. not on speaking terms, not or no longer in a relationship of open, willing, or ready communication, as because of resentment or estrangement.

   They had a squabble during the holidays, and now they're not on speaking terms.

2. on speaking terms,

   1. in a relationship close enough for or limited to friendly superficialities.

      I don't know the hosts well, but we are certainly on speaking terms.

   2. in a relationship of open, willing, or ready communication.

      Now that the debt has been settled, I hope you and your partner are on speaking terms again.

Example Sentences

"I felt even more afraid and more isolated after speaking to the police. It's a boys' club - a network across police stations, police forces and county lines," Claire said.

Read more on BBC

Greyson was meeting all his milestones and speaking normally until age 2, when he started regressing.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Gucci Mane said that during episodes of what he called “psychosis,” he would hear voices speaking ill about people in his close circles.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He was expansive in his answers, speaking excellent English.

Read more on BBC

One particularly revelatory headline, speaking to the lack of sensitivity surrounding this tragedy, reads: “Where Are Ajike Owens’ Kids Now?

Read more on Salon