# speak out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/speak-out
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to say what you think about something publicly, especially to protest against something you feel is wrong.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He spoke out his opinion." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.