speaking

Meanings

1. Used in speaking.
2. Expressive; eloquent.
3. Involving speaking.
4. Having the ability of speech.
5. Having competence in a language.

1. One's ability to communicate vocally in a given language.
2. The act of communicating vocally.
3. A speaking exercise or exam.
4. An oral recitation of e.g. a story.

1. present participle and gerund of speak

1. Indication that the person requested is the same as the one who is currently speaking.

Etymology

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”).

Translations