speak out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Formal; common in news, politics, activism, and personal narratives.
Quick answer
What does “speak out” mean?
To express your opinion publicly and forcefully about something you believe in, especially something controversial or against a majority view.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To express your opinion publicly and forcefully about something you believe in, especially something controversial or against a majority view.
To break a silence or end a period of not commenting on a matter; to advocate or protest openly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. 'Speak up' is a more informal and common near-synonym in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes bravery and civic duty equally in both UK and US English.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties, with high usage in political and social commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “speak out” in a Sentence
speak out (intransitive)speak out against somethingspeak out about somethingspeak out on somethingspeak out for/on behalf of someone/somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “speak out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The MP felt compelled to speak out against the new policy.
- Survivors of the scandal are finally finding the courage to speak out.
American English
- More celebrities are speaking out about climate change.
- She spoke out forcefully during the town hall meeting.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used regarding whistleblowing or ethical concerns: 'Employees were encouraged to speak out about safety violations.'
Academic
Used in discussions of free speech, activism, and historical figures: 'The study analyses why minorities often hesitate to speak out.'
Everyday
Used in personal contexts: 'You should speak out if you're unhappy with the service.'
Technical
Not commonly used in technical fields outside of socio-technical or ethical discussions.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “speak out”
- Incorrect: 'He spoke out his mind.' (Correct: 'He spoke his mind' OR 'He spoke out.').
- Incorrect preposition: 'She spoke out with corruption.' (Correct: 'She spoke out against corruption.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Speak out' strongly implies speaking on a matter of principle, often against opposition. 'Speak up' is more general and informal, meaning to speak louder or to express an opinion (not necessarily controversial).
No, 'speak out' is a phrasal verb that is nearly always intransitive. It is followed by prepositions like 'against', 'about', or 'for'. You do not 'speak out something'.
It is neutral but carries a formal tone due to its serious contexts (politics, justice). In casual settings, 'speak up' is often preferred for simpler situations.
Not always. While commonly used with 'against', you can also 'speak out for' or 'in support of' a cause or person, which is a positive advocacy.
To express your opinion publicly and forcefully about something you believe in, especially something controversial or against a majority view.
Speak out: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspiːk ˈaʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌspik ˈaʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Speak truth to power”
- “Break the silence”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SPEAK + OUT (as in 'out loud' and 'out in the open'). It's making your inner voice public.
Conceptual Metaphor
SILENCE IS COMPLICITY / VOICE IS POWER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'speak out'?