speaking
Pronunciation
  • (British) IPA: /ˈspiː.kɪŋ/
  • (America, Canada) IPA: /ˈspi.kɪŋ/
  • (Australia) IPA: /ˈspiː.kɪŋ/, [ˈspɪi̯.kɪŋ]
Etymology 1

From Middle English spekinge, spekynge, spekinde, spekende, spekande, spekand, from Old English specende, sprecende, from Proto-Germanic *sprekandz, present participle of Proto-Germanic *sprekaną.

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.
    • 1842, [anonymous collaborator of Letitia Elizabeth Landon], chapter XLIV, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC ↗, page 267 ↗:
      There was no reply, save on the speaking countenance.
  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
  • German: Sprech-, Sprach-
Translations Etymology 2

From Middle English speking, spekynge, equivalent to speak + -ing.

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 Translations Translations Verb
  1. Present participle and gerund of speak
Interjection
  1. (telephone) Indication that the person requested is the same as the one who is currently speaking.
Translations
  • French: (c'est) lui-même/elle-même (appareil
  • German: Apparat



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