English

Verb

speak volumes ‎(third-person singular simple present speaks volumes, present participle speaking volumes, simple past and past participle spoke volumes)

1. Used other than as an idiom: see speak,‎ volumes.

   I can speak volumes about this school.‎

2. To convey significant information beyond what is explicit, especially unintentionally.

   In our day-to-day experiences, it is often such nonverbal emotional information carried by the human voice that “speaks volumes.”‎

3. (of an action, situation, or object) To convey significant information.

   The way you listen speaks volumes.‎

   The lighted decorated Christmas tree, a treat for all, speaks volumes of meaning.‎

   • 1990, Roy Hollis, Eve, New York, N.Y.: Vantage Press, ISBN 978-0-533-08842-3:

     I waited, anticipating her reply. Her hesitation spoke volumes.

   • 2016 March 27, Daniel Taylor, “Eric Dier seals England’s stunning comeback against Germany”, in The Guardian, London, archived from the original on 1 April 2016:

     Two-nil down, playing the World Cup winners in Berlin, England’s response spoke volumes for the spirit of togetherness Hodgson has been trying to foster and provided a victory that will be remembered with the kind of fondness usually reserved for the 5–1 win in Munich from an entirely different era.

Hypernyms

• (to convey significant information beyond what is explicit): connote

Translations