speaking

[ spee-king ]

noun

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

adjective

1. that speaks.
2. used in, suited to, or involving speaking or talking:

   the speaking voice.

3. of or relating to declamation.
4. giving information as if by speech:

   a speaking proof of a thing.

5. highly expressive:

   speaking eyes.

6. lifelike:

   a speaking likeness.

speaking

/ ˈspiːkɪŋ /

adjective

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

      French-speaking

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of speaking¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. 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.

2. 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.

Example Sentences

He said he changed his mind and decided to complete the film after speaking to Hutchins' husband, Matt.

From BBC

He added that the Sidemen had a "unified stance on not speaking about political and social issues".

From BBC

Findlay, speaking to BBC Scotland News, acknowledged foreign nationals made up a small part of the prisoner population - and that the UK government was responsible for deportations.

From BBC

"For me, it's all about the connection and the emotions that I feel with someone and then wanting to express them in that way," she said, speaking on Tuesday's episode of the ITV show.

From BBC

Mr Burns was speaking after a meeting with Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, which he described as positive at the time.

From BBC