Spake vs. Speak — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Munazza Shafiq — Updated on April 20, 2024
"Spake" is the incorrect spelling of "speak." Speak means to utter words or articulate sounds.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Spake or Speak
How to spell Speak?
Spake
Incorrect Spelling
Speak
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Note that "spake" is an archaic past tense form no longer used in modern English; the correct present form is "speak."
Connect "speak" with the phrase "speak clearly," which also uses the "ea" vowel pairing.
The "ea" in "speak" is a common vowel pairing in English words like "break" and "freak."
Visualize the word "speak" with a mouth open, as if to pronounce the "ea" sound clearly.
Remember that "speak" aligns with other common verbs like "leak" and "peak."
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How Do You Spell Speak Correctly?
Incorrect: They often spake in hushed tones during meetings.
Correct: They often speak in hushed tones during meetings.
Speak Definitions
To utter words or articulate sounds with ordinary speech modulation.
She can speak three languages fluently.
To express thoughts, opinions, or feelings orally.
He spoke earnestly about his vision for the company.
To indicate or suggest nonverbally.
His action speaks louder than words.
Say something in order to convey information or to express a feeling
In his agitation he was unable to speak
She refused to speak about the incident
Talk to in order to reprove or advise
She tried to speak to Seb about his drinking
(of behaviour, an object, etc.) serve as evidence for something
His frame spoke tiredness
Everything in the house spoke of hard times and neglect
(of a musical instrument or other object) make a sound when functioning
Insufficient air circulates for the pipes to speak
The gun spoke again
To produce words by means of sounds; talk
Can the baby speak yet?.
To express thoughts or feelings to convey information in speech or writing
He spoke of his desire to travel. In her poem she speaks about loss.
To convey information or ideas in text
Their book speaks about adopting children.
To engage in conversation
Can we speak for a few minutes about the assignment?.
To be friendly or willing to communicate; be on speaking terms
They are no longer speaking.
To deliver an address or lecture
The mayor spoke at the rally.
To act as spokesperson
I speak for the entire staff.
To convey information through another person
The family spoke to the media through their trusted adviser.
To convey a message by nonverbal means
Actions speak louder than words.
To give an indication or suggestion
His manners spoke of good upbringing.
To be appealing
His poetry speaks to one's heart.
To make a reservation or request. Used with for
Has anyone spoken for the last piece of pizza?.
To produce a characteristic sound
The drums spoke.
To give off a sound on firing. Used of guns or cannon.
To say with the voice; pronounce or utter
She spoke the words with a French accent.
To converse in or be able to converse in (a language)
Speaks German.
To express in words; tell
Speak the truth.
(Nautical) To hail and communicate with (another vessel) at sea.
To convey by nonverbal means
His eyes spoke volumes.
(intransitive) To communicate with one's voice, to say words out loud.
I was so surprised I couldn't speak.
You're speaking too fast.
To have a conversation.
It's been ages since we've spoken.
(by extension) To communicate or converse by some means other than orally, such as writing or facial expressions.
He spoke of it in his diary.
Speak to me only with your eyes.
Actions speak louder than words.
(intransitive) To deliver a message to a group; to deliver a speech.
This evening I shall speak on the topic of correct English usage.
To be able to communicate in a language.
He speaks Mandarin fluently.
(by extension) To be able to communicate in the manner of specialists in a field.
(transitive) To utter.
I was so surprised that I couldn't speak a word.
(transitive) To communicate (some fact or feeling); to bespeak, to indicate.
To understand (as though it were a language).
Sorry, I don't speak idiot.
So you can program in C. But do you speak C++?
(intransitive) To produce a sound; to sound.
Of a bird, to be able to vocally reproduce words or phrases from a human language.
To address; to accost; to speak to.
Language, jargon, or terminology used uniquely in a particular environment or group.
Corporate speak; IT speak.
Speech, conversation.
(dated) a low class bar, a speakeasy.
To utter words or articulate sounds, as human beings; to express thoughts by words; as, the organs may be so obstructed that a man may not be able to speak.
Till at the last spake in this manner.
Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.
To express opinions; to say; to talk; to converse.
That fluid substance in a few minutes begins to set, as the tradesmen speak.
An honest man, is able to speak for himself, when a knave is not.
During the century and a half which followed the Conquest, there is, to speak strictly, no English history.
To utter a speech, discourse, or harangue; to adress a public assembly formally.
Many of the nobility made themselves popular by speaking in Parliament against those things which were most grateful to his majesty.
To discourse; to make mention; to tell.
Lycan speaks of a part of Cæsar's army that came to him from the Leman Lake.
To give sound; to sound.
Make all our trumpets speak.
To convey sentiments, ideas, or intelligence as if by utterance; as, features that speak of self-will.
Thine eye begins to speak.
To utter with the mouth; to pronounce; to utter articulately, as human beings.
They sat down with him upn ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him.
To utter in a word or words; to say; to tell; to declare orally; as, to speak the truth; to speak sense.
To declare; to proclaim; to publish; to make known; to exhibit; to express in any way.
It is my father;s musteTo speak your deeds.
Speaking a still good morrow with her eyes.
And for the heaven's wide circuit, let it speakThe maker's high magnificence.
Report speaks you a bonny monk.
To talk or converse in; to utter or pronounce, as in conversation; as, to speak Latin.
And French she spake full fair and fetisely.
Express in speech;
She talks a lot of nonsense
This depressed patient does not verbalize
Exchange thoughts; talk with;
We often talk business
Actions talk louder than words
Use language;
The baby talks already
The prisoner won't speak
They speak a strange dialect
Give a speech to;
The chairman addressed the board of trustees
Make a characteristic or natural sound;
The drums spoke
To communicate or convey information verbally.
The signs speak of upcoming changes in policy.
To use speech; to talk.
They speak at the conference every year.
Speak Meaning in a Sentence
I need to speak to him about changing the schedule.
Please speak clearly when you present your ideas.
They will speak to the principal about the issue.
I'll speak to the guests about the arrangements.
Can you speak louder, please?
They often speak of their adventures abroad.
Can he speak French?
Speak now or forever hold your peace.
They are excited to speak at the workshop.
When will you speak to them about this?
Who will speak at the ceremony?
He will speak on behalf of the team.
She learned to speak at a very young age.
She doesn't like to speak in public.
We need to speak honestly with each other.
I hope to speak with you soon about our plans.
Speak Idioms & Phrases
Speak volumes
To provide a lot of information, especially in an indirect way.
His hesitation spoke volumes about his real opinion.
So to speak
Used to highlight that one is using a figurative or not literal way of saying something.
He was, so to speak, the star of the show.
Speak your mind
To say exactly what you think, in a very direct way.
She's never afraid to speak her mind, no matter the audience.
Speak of the devil
Used when the person being talked about appears unexpectedly.
Speak of the devil, and he appears; look who just walked in!
Actions speak louder than words
What you do has a stronger impact on people than what you say.
He always promises to do better, but actions speak louder than words.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called speak?
It's called "speak" because it comes from the Old English "sprecan," meaning to talk or converse.
How many syllables are in speak?
There is one syllable in "speak."
What is the root word of speak?
The root of "speak" is from the Old English "sprecan."
What is the first form of speak?
The first form is "speak."
What is a stressed syllable in speak?
The stressed syllable in "speak" is the entire word, "speak."
What is the pronunciation of speak?
Speak is pronounced /spiːk/.
How do we divide speak into syllables?
Speak is divided as: speak.
How is speak used in a sentence?
Please speak more slowly so I can understand.
What is the third form of speak?
The third form is "spoken."
What is the opposite of speak?
The opposite of speak is "listen."
Is speak an adverb?
No, speak is not an adverb.
Is speak an abstract noun?
No, speak is a verb.
What part of speech is speak?
Speak is a verb.
What is the plural form of speak?
The verb "speak" does not have a plural form; it remains "speak."
Is speak a negative or positive word?
Speak is a neutral word; it can be either positive or negative depending on the context.
Is speak a countable noun?
Speak is not a noun; it's a verb.
Is speak a collective noun?
No, speak is a verb.
Is the speak term a metaphor?
Speak itself is not typically used as a metaphor.
What is the verb form of speak?
The verb form is "speak."
Is the word speak Gerund?
Yes, speaking can be a gerund.
Is the word “speak” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Speak is a verb, not an object.
Which determiner is used with speak?
Determiners are not typically used with verbs like speak.
Which preposition is used with speak?
Common prepositions used with speak include "to" and "about."
Which conjunction is used with speak?
Conjunctions like "and" or "but" can be used when linking clauses involving speak.
What is another term for speak?
Another term for speak is "talk."
What is the singular form of speak?
The singular form is "speak."
Is speak a noun or adjective?
Speak is a verb.
Is speak a vowel or consonant?
The term refers to a verb, not a vowel or consonant.
What is the second form of speak?
The second form is "spoke."
Is the word speak imperative?
Speak can be used in the imperative form, as in commands.
Which vowel is used before speak?
The vowel "e" is used in the spelling of speak.
Which article is used with speak?
Articles are not used with verbs like speak.
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Written by
Munazza Shafiq
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
