speaking
(Redirected from -speaking)
English edit
Pronunciation edit
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˈspiː.kɪŋ/
- (US, Canada) IPA(key): /ˈspi.kɪŋ/
Audio (US) (file)
- (General Australian) IPA(key): /ˈspiː.kɪŋ/, [ˈspɪi̯.kɪŋ]
- Rhymes: -iːkɪŋ
Etymology 1 edit
From Middle English spekinge, spekynge, spekinde, spekende, spekande, spekand, from Old English specende, sprecende (“speaking”), from Proto-Germanic *sprekandz (“speaking”), present participle of Proto-Germanic *sprekaną (“to speak”). Equivalent to speak + -ing. Cognate with Scots speikand, speikin (“speaking”), Saterland Frisian spreekend (“speaking”), West Frisian sprekkend (“speaking”), Dutch sprekend (“speaking”), German Low German sprekend (“speaking”), German sprechend (“speaking”).
Adjective edit
speaking (not comparable)
- Used in speaking.
- one's normal speaking voice
- 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.
- Involving speaking.
- It was her first speaking part: she screamed.
- Having the ability of speech.
- speaking parrot; speaking clock
- (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 edit
- (antonym(s) of "expressive"): unspeaking
- (antonym(s) of "involving speaking"): nonspeaking
Derived terms edit
Translations edit
eloquent — see eloquent
having the ability of speech
Etymology 2 edit
From Middle English speking, spekynge, equivalent to speak + -ing.
Noun edit
speaking (plural speakings)
- One's ability to communicate vocally in a given language.
- I can read and understand most texts in German, but my speaking is awful.
- 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.
- An oral recitation of e.g. a story.
Translations edit
the act of speaking
the act of communicating vocally
an oral recitation
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Etymology 3 edit
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
Verb edit
speaking
- present participle and gerund of speak
Interjection edit
speaking
- (telephony) Indication that the person requested is the same as the one who is currently speaking.[1]
Translations edit
indication that the person requested is the same as the one who is currently speaking
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References edit
- ^ Telephoning (Cambridge Dictionary, English Grammar Today), Asking for someone