speak up — to speak more loudly so that people can hear you
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to speak more loudly so that people can hear you
Pronunciation (IPA): /spiːk ʌp/
Example Sentences
- The teacher said, 'Speak up! Even the mice in the walls can't hear you!'
- It's time to speak up about the mysterious disappearance of donuts from the office kitchen.
- She decided to speak up during the meeting to share her innovative ideas.
speak up
VERB[/spiːk ʌp/]
to speak more loudly so that people can hear you
She decided to speak up when no one else dared to question the boss.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Speak derives from Old English 'specan', meaning to utter words or talk. The particle 'up' adds the sense of elevation or intensity, creating the phrasal verb 'speak up', which evolved to mean speaking louder or more boldly, often implying courage or assertion.
Breakdown
speak (Old English specan, to utter) + up (upward, higher, with intensifying force), forming a phrasal verb denoting increased volume or boldness in speech.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teacher said, 'Speak up! Even the mice in the walls can't hear you!'”
“It's time to speak up about the mysterious disappearance of donuts from the office kitchen.”
“She decided to speak up during the meeting to share her innovative ideas.”
“If you see bullying, speak up and report it to the authorities.”
📚Related Words
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