speaking: Meaning and Definition of

speak•ing

Pronunciation: (spē'king), [key]
— n.
  1. the act, utterance, or discourse of a person who speaks.
  2. literary works composed for recitation, as ancient bardic poetry; oral literature.
—adj.
  1. that speaks.
  2. used in, suited to, or involving speaking or talking: the speaking voice.
  3. of or pertaining to declamation.
  4. giving information as if by speech: a speaking proof of a thing.
  5. highly expressive: speaking eyes.
  6. lifelike: a speaking likeness.
  7. not or no longer in a relationship of open, willing, or ready communication, as because of resentment or estrangement: They had a squabble during the holidays, and now they're not on speaking terms.
  8. I don't know the hosts well, but we are certainly on speaking terms.
    1. in a relationship close enough for or limited to friendly superficialities:I don't know the hosts well, but we are certainly on speaking terms.
    2. in a relationship of open, willing, or ready communication:Now that the debt has been settled, I hope you and your partner are on speaking terms again.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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