Speek vs. Speak — Which is Correct Spelling?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
"Speek" is an incorrect spelling. The right spelling is "speak," meaning to say something using words.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Speek or Speak
How to spell Speak?
Speek
Incorrect Spelling
Speak
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
"Speak" is similar to "leak"; both use "ea" in the middle.
Think of "speak" as having the "ea" from "hear" because you speak so others can hear.
Visualize someone speaking with an "EA" badge to remember the "ea" in "speak."
Remember that "speech" uses "spea" as its base, just like "speak."
"Peek" is to look quickly, but to voice words, it's "speak."
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How Do You Spell Speak Correctly?
Incorrect: Can you speek louder? I can't hear you.
Correct: Can you speak louder? I can't hear you.
Incorrect: How well do you speek French?
Correct: How well do you speak French?
Incorrect: She doesn't speek much English.
Correct: She doesn't speak much English.
Incorrect: They were too scared to speek up during the meeting.
Correct: They were too scared to speak up during the meeting.
Speak Definitions
To convey non-verbal messages.
His actions speak louder than words.
To address or consult with.
I need to speak with my advisor.
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 express thoughts, feelings, or information using words.
She will speak at the conference.
To communicate in a specific language.
They speak Spanish.
To give voice or sound.
The alarm clock speaks loudly every morning.
Speak Meaning in a Sentence
They asked her to speak at the conference.
I'll speak to him about the issue tomorrow.
I'm learning to speak Spanish.
Can we speak about this later?
Can anyone here speak Japanese?
He's been invited to speak at the graduation.
He wants to speak to you in private.
I wish I could speak more confidently.
Let's speak the truth, no matter how hard it is.
I was too nervous to speak in front of the class.
When you speak, everyone listens.
He doesn't speak much, but when he does, it's important.
Can you speak louder, please?
We need to speak about your grades.
She will speak to the manager about the problem.
Speak Idioms & Phrases
Speak volumes
To provide a lot of information, especially in an indirect way.
Her smile spoke volumes about her true feelings.
Speak of the devil
This phrase is used when the person you're talking about appears unexpectedly.
Speak of the devil, here comes John now!
Speak your mind
To say exactly what you think, in a very direct way.
Don't be afraid to speak your mind during the meeting.
So to speak
This phrase is used to indicate that one is using a figurative or metaphorical expression.
He's got a lot on his plate right now, so to speak.
Actions speak louder than words
This means that what someone does has a stronger impact than just what they say.
He always says he'll help, but actions speak louder than words.
Not to speak of
Used to indicate that there are even more examples than the ones just mentioned.
There were cakes, cookies, and ice cream, not to speak of the candy.
Speak out of turn
To say something when it's not your place to say it.
I apologize if I spoke out of turn earlier.
Speak the same language
To have similar ideas and agree about things.
It's important for team members to speak the same language.
To speak ill of
To say bad things about someone.
It's not nice to speak ill of someone who's not here to defend themselves.
Speak for yourself
Used to tell someone that an opinion they have expressed is not the same as your own.
You might think it's a bad idea, but speak for yourself; I think it's great.
To speak nothing of
Similar to "not to speak of," used to highlight additional points not yet discussed.
The house needs a new roof, to speak nothing of the plumbing issues.
Speak the truth
To say what is true, even if it is not what people want to hear.
It's important to always speak the truth, even when it's difficult.
Speak from the heart
To say something sincerely and honestly.
When he apologized, he really spoke from the heart.
Speak up
To speak louder or to state one's opinion confidently.
If you disagree, you should speak up.
Common Curiosities
What is the verb form of speak?
"Speak" itself is the verb form.
What is the root word of speak?
The root word is Old English "specan."
Which vowel is used before speak?
The letter "o" can be used before speak, as in "to speak."
What is the pronunciation of speak?
It is pronounced as speek.
Why is it called speak?
It's called "speak" from the Old English "specan," meaning to speak or talk.
Which preposition is used with speak?
"To" and "with" are commonly used, as in "speak to" or "speak with."
Is speak an abstract noun?
In its primary usage as a verb, no. But as a noun (in specific contexts), it could be considered abstract.
What is the plural form of speak?
Verbs like "speak" don't have plural forms.
Is speak a noun or adjective?
"Speak" is primarily a verb, though it can be a noun in specific contexts, like "a speak-out."
Is the speak term a metaphor?
"Speak" can be used metaphorically, as in "actions speak louder than words."
What is the singular form of speak?
"Speak" is a verb and does not have a singular or plural form in the traditional sense.
Which conjunction is used with speak?
Any conjunction can be used based on the context, such as "and," "but," "or."
How many syllables are in speak?
There is one syllable in "speak."
What is the third form of speak?
Spoken.
Is speak a collective noun?
No, "speak" is not a collective noun.
Is the word speak imperative?
It can be, as in the command, "Speak!"
How do we divide speak into syllables?
Speak is one syllable, so it's not divided.
Is speak a vowel or consonant?
"Speak" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
What part of speech is speak?
"Speak" is primarily a verb.
What is another term for speak?
Talk.
What is the opposite of speak?
Listen or be silent.
What is the first form of speak?
Speak.
What is the second form of speak?
Spoke.
Is speak a negative or positive word?
"Speak" is neutral, neither inherently positive nor negative.
What is a stressed syllable in speak?
The entire word "speak" is stressed, as it's one syllable.
Which determiner is used with speak?
Determiners like "this," "that," or "my" can be used, depending on the context.
How is speak used in a sentence?
"Can you speak more slowly, please?"
Which article is used with speak?
As a verb, "speak" doesn't typically use articles. However, one might say "a speak-out" when referring to an event.
Is speak an adverb?
No, "speak" is not an adverb.
Is speak a countable noun?
In its primary use as a verb, it isn't a noun. In specific noun contexts, it can be countable.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
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.
