speak for

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verb (intr, preposition)

to speak as a representative of (other people)

speak for itself to be so evident that no further comment is necessary

speak for yourself informal (used as an imperative) do not presume that other people agree with you

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Words nearby speak for

speak down to, speakeasy, speaker, Speaker of the House, speakerphone, speak for, speaking, speaking clock, speaking in tongues, speaking trumpet, speaking tube

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

How to use speak for in a sentence

Sands was involved in a scandalous-for-the-time romance with the carpenter and there were rumors she was pregnant with his child.
New York’s Most Tragic Ghost Loves Minimalist Swedish Fashion|Nina Strochlic|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
So we do demand justice and we do speak up and make demands.
Mexico’s Priests Are Marked for Murder|Jason McGahan|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Or has the see and hear and speak-no-evil stance of the Republican House persuaded him that he is in the clear?
The Price of Steve Scalise’s Silence|Jason Berry|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
“We met the smuggler in the train station; he came to speak with us about the services he provided,” Yazbek says.
Ghost Ships of the Mediterranean|Barbie Latza Nadeau|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST

There was no mistaking this for the gaudiness and gilt of made-for-TV awards shows.
Streetwear pioneer, visionary entrepreneur, and community mentor Daymond John is honored with Hennessy Privilege Award|Hennessy|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST
“Perhaps you do not speak my language,” she said in Urdu, the tongue most frequently heard in Upper India.
The Red Year|Louis Tracy
Now first we shall want our pupil to understand, speak, read and write the mother tongue well.
The Salvaging Of Civilisation|H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
To be wiser than other men is to be honester than they; and strength of mind is only courage to see and speak the truth.
Pearls of Thought|Maturin M. Ballou
Since this is a law of vibration, it is unscientific to speak of giving an overtone, for all tones contain overtones.
Expressive Voice Culture|Jessie Eldridge Southwick
When we speak against one capital vice, we ought to speak against its opposite; the middle betwixt both is the point for virtue.
Pearls of Thought|Maturin M. Ballou

Other Idioms and Phrases with speak for

speak for

Intercede for, recommend, as in He spoke for the young applicant, commending her honesty. [c. 1300]

Express the views of, as in I can't speak for my husband but I'd love to accept, or I don't care what Harry thinks—Speak for yourself, Joe. [c. 1300]

speak for itself. Be significant or self-evident, as in They haven't called us in months, and that speaks for itself. [Second half of 1700s]

spoken for. Ordered, engaged, or reserved, as in This lot of rugs is already spoken for, or Is this dance spoken for? This usage comes from the older verb, bespeak, meaning “to order.” [Late 1600s]

speak for

Words nearby speak for

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How to use speak for in a sentence

Other Idioms and Phrases with speak for