Phrasal verb
speak out
Definition
phrasal verb. to say what you think about something publicly, especially to protest against something you feel is wrong.
phrasal verb. to express one's opinions or grievances publicly and forcefully, typically in opposition to a perceived injustice. Intransitive, though often followed by 'against' or 'in favor of'.
Examples
“You should speak out if you see someone being treated unfairly.”
“Despite the risk to his career, the scientist decided to speak out against the company's environmental record.”
“History remembers those who had the courage to speak out when the majority remained silent in the face of tyranny.”
Examples
simple
“You should speak out if you see someone being treated unfairly.”
contextual
“Despite the risk to his career, the scientist decided to speak out against the company's environmental record.”
complex
“History remembers those who had the courage to speak out when the majority remained silent in the face of tyranny.”
Usage
often used in political or social contexts to describe public advocacy or protest.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'speak up' (which can mean to talk louder or to express an opinion); 'speak out' specifically implies a public or brave stance against something.
Pitfall
He spoke out his opinion.
He spoke out about his opinion.
the verb is intransitive; you cannot 'speak out' a noun directly, you must speak out 'about' or 'against' it.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
speak + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/speak-out