# speak

/ˈspik/ (US) · /spˈiːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/speak
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 5. to understand a topic

verb · CEFR C1 · Humorous · Informal

to understand a difficult subject as if it were a language you know.

For teachers: to be familiar with or understand a specific, often technical or complex, subject matter.

- I don't speak computer, so you'll have to explain the error to me simply.
- Unless you speak advanced calculus, the first half of the lecture will likely be incomprehensible to you.

### 6. to show a feeling

verb · CEFR B2 · Literary

to show a fact or a feeling without using words.

For teachers: to serve as an indication or evidence of a particular quality or fact.

- The empty house spoke of better times when the family lived there.
- The silence in the room spoke volumes about the tension between the two negotiators.

### 7. special language

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

the special words used by a specific group of people.

For teachers: the jargon, terminology, or characteristic way of speaking associated with a particular group or environment.

- I couldn't understand the corporate speak used in the meeting.
- The manual was written in such dense tech-speak that even the experienced engineers struggled to follow the instructions.

Usage: Usually appears as a suffix or the second part of a compound noun (e.g., 'corporate-speak', 'tech-speak').

## Examples

- She can speak three languages.
- I need to speak with my manager about the new project deadline.
- Figuratively speaking, the company is at a crossroads, and the decisions made this quarter will determine its future direction for years to come.

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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.