speak up
A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
to talk louder or say what you think
Literal meaning: to raise your speech upward or in intensity
Meanings
1 A2 neutral
to speak more loudly so that other people can hear you
"Could you speak up a little? I can't hear you from the back."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
neutral
to express your opinion or say something when you have been silent
"If you think the decision is unfair, you need to speak up."
"If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up."
— John Lewis, 2016 Democratic National Convention speech
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Very common in classrooms, meetings, and conversations. Context shows whether it means louder speech or more assertive speech.
Commonly used with
please in class at the meeting for yourself if you disagree louder
Forms
Base
speak up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
speaks up
he/she/it
Past simple
spoke up
yesterday
Past participle
spoken up
have + pp
-ing form
speaking up
continuous
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Synonyms
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