speak out
B1 neutral intransitive intransitive
In simple words
to say what you think openly, especially when it is hard or risky
Literal meaning: to speak outwardly so others can hear
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
neutral
to state your opinions openly and publicly, especially about something wrong or unfair
"More employees are speaking out about unsafe working conditions."
"If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something."
— John Lewis, 2016 Democratic National Convention speech
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
to break silence and reveal information or personal experience
"Years later, several witnesses finally spoke out about what they had seen."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often used about protest, injustice, abuse, or social issues. It suggests courage and public expression.
Commonly used with
against injustice about abuse on the issue publicly for change for victims
Forms
Base
speak out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
speaks out
he/she/it
Past simple
spoke out
yesterday
Past participle
spoken out
have + pp
-ing form
speaking out
continuous
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Synonyms
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