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

Goodall died on Wednesday at age 91, reportedly of natural causes, while on a speaking tour in California.

From Salon

She was in California as part of her speaking tour in the U.S. at the time of her death.

From Los Angeles Times

Dr Goodall died of natural causes while in California on a speaking tour of the US, according to a statement from the Jane Goodall Institute.

From BBC

Sir Mark, speaking before he had seen the film's Wednesday evening broadcast, said that "where there is incontrovertible evidence" of wrongdoing it is likely that accused serving officers would be dismissed within weeks.

From BBC

The Pope was speaking at a conference to mark 10 years since the publication of Laudato Si'.

From BBC