Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Speaking

Speak′ing

,
Adj.
1.
Uttering speech; used for conveying speech;
as, man is a
speaking
animal; a
speaking
tube.
2.
Seeming to be capable of speech; hence, lifelike;
as, a
speaking
likeness
.
A speaking acquaintance
,
a slight acquaintance with a person, or one which merely permits the exchange of salutations and remarks on indifferent subjects.
Speaking trumpet
,
an instrument somewhat resembling a trumpet, by which the sound of the human voice may be so intensified as to be conveyed to a great distance.
Speaking tube
,
a tube for conveying speech, especially from one room to another at a distance.
To be on speaking terms
,
to be slightly acquainted.

Speak′ing

,
Noun.
1.
The act of uttering words.
2.
Public declamation; oratory.

Webster 1828 Edition


Speaking

SPE'AKING

,
ppr.
Uttering words; discoursing; talking.

SPE'AKING

, n.
1.
The act of uttering words; discourse.
2.
In colleges, public declamation.

Definition 2024


speaking

speaking

English

Adjective

speaking (not comparable)

  1. Used in speaking.
    one's normal speaking voice
  2. Expressive; eloquent.
    The sight was more speaking than any speech could be.
  3. Involving speaking.
    It was her first speaking part: she screamed.
  4. Having the ability of speech.
    speaking parrot; speaking clock
    1. (in compounds) Having competence in a language.
      the English-speaking gentleman gave us directions; I travel in Russian-speaking countries; the French-speaking world listened in to the broadcast

Antonyms

Translations

Noun

speaking (plural speakings)

  1. One's ability to communicate vocally in a given language.
    I can read and understand most texts in German, but my speaking is awful.
  2. The act of communicating vocally.
    • 2011, Jimmie W. Greene, ‎Samuel D. Perry, Bridge Builder (page 50)
      Sometimes, a brawl would erupt, as a result, but, in general, public speakings were peaceful events and essential ingredients for election to office.
  3. An oral recitation of e.g. a story.

Translations

Verb

speaking

  1. present participle of speak

Statistics

Most common English words before 1923: cost · value · cast · #784: speaking · circumstances · sitting · Christ