speak up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “speak up” mean?
To express one's opinion or point of view openly, clearly, and often with assertiveness.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To express one's opinion or point of view openly, clearly, and often with assertiveness; to increase the volume of one's voice.
To advocate for oneself or others, especially in situations where one's voice or opinion is needed but may be suppressed, overlooked, or difficult to hear.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. Slightly more common in American English in the figurative 'advocacy' sense.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with empowerment, self-advocacy, and democratic participation.
Frequency
High frequency in both, with the figurative use being dominant in contemporary discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “speak up” in a Sentence
[Person] speaks up.[Person] speaks up [for/against Issue/Person].[Person] speaks up [in meeting/class/debate].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “speak up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- If you disagree with the proposal, you should speak up during the council meeting.
- She finally spoke up for her colleague who was being unfairly treated.
American English
- You need to speak up if you want your concerns to be heard by management.
- He spoke up in defense of the new policy during the town hall.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to encourage contribution in meetings or to address issues with management.
Academic
Used to encourage student participation or scholarly debate.
Everyday
Used when someone's voice is too quiet or when encouraging someone to share their view.
Technical
Rare. Possibly in audio engineering as a literal command.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “speak up”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “speak up”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “speak up”
- Using 'speak up' with 'about' incorrectly (e.g., 'speak up about your rights' is correct, but 'speak up your mind' is wrong; it's 'speak your mind').
- Confusing with 'speak out' (very similar, but 'speak out' often implies against an injustice).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but common in informal and semi-formal contexts. In very formal writing, alternatives like 'express one's views' or 'state publicly' might be preferred.
They are very close. 'Speak up' often focuses on making one's voice audible or opinion known in a general setting. 'Speak out' strongly implies publicly protesting or criticising something perceived as wrong.
Rarely. The act is generally viewed positively. However, context can make it negative, e.g., 'He spoke up only to criticise, never to help.'
Not directly. Related concepts are 'outspokenness' or 'a statement'. The term 'speak-up culture' is used in organisational psychology.
To express one's opinion or point of view openly, clearly, and often with assertiveness.
Speak up: in British English it is pronounced /ˌspiːk ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌspik ˈəp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Speak up or forever hold your peace.”
- “If you see something, say something. (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a shy person holding a microphone that's too low. Someone hands them a UPgraded microphone and says 'SPEAK UP' – now their voice is up high and clear.
Conceptual Metaphor
VOICE IS POWER / ASSERTIVENESS IS VOLUME.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'speak up' used MOST figuratively?