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View synonyms for speaking

speaking

[ spee-king ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the act, utterance, or discourse of a person who speaks.
speakings, literary works composed for recitation, as ancient bardic poetry; oral literature.

adjective

that speaks.
used in, suited to, or involving speaking or talking:
the speaking voice.
of or relating to declamation.
giving information as if by speech:
a speaking proof of a thing.
highly expressive:
speaking eyes.
lifelike:
a speaking likeness.

speaking

/ ˈspiːkɪŋ /

adjective

prenominal eloquent, impressive, or striking
1. able to speak
2. in combination able to speak a particular language
  French-speaking

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Other Words From

speaking·ly adverb
speaking·ness noun
non·speaking adjective
well-speaking adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of speaking¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; speak, -ing ¹, -ing ²

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Idioms and Phrases

not on speaking terms, not or no longer in a relationship of open, willing, or ready communication, as because of resentment or estrangement:
They had a squabble during the holidays, and now they're not on speaking terms.
on speaking terms,
1. in a relationship close enough for or limited to friendly superficialities:
  I don't know the hosts well, but we are certainly on speaking terms.
2. in a relationship of open, willing, or ready communication:
  Now that the debt has been settled, I hope you and your partner are on speaking terms again.

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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