speaking in tongues: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MediumFormal (religious contexts), Informal (metaphorical use)
Quick answer
What does “speaking in tongues” mean?
The practice of speaking in a language unknown to the speaker, often in a religious or spiritual context, such as glossolalia.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of speaking in a language unknown to the speaker, often in a religious or spiritual context, such as glossolalia.
Speaking in a confused, unintelligible, or jargon-filled manner that is difficult for others to understand.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning; both varieties use it similarly in religious and metaphorical contexts.
Connotations
Generally carries religious connotations; in metaphorical use, it suggests confusion or lack of clarity.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to higher prevalence of charismatic Christian movements.
Grammar
How to Use “speaking in tongues” in a Sentence
verb + speaking in tongues (e.g., start speaking in tongues)prepositional phrase + speaking in tongues (e.g., in a state of speaking in tongues)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “speaking in tongues” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He occasionally speaks in tongues during prayer meetings.
American English
- She can speak in tongues when she feels spiritually moved.
adverb
British English
- He responded speaking in tongues, which puzzled the congregation.
American English
- She prayed aloud, speaking in tongues throughout the ceremony.
adjective
British English
- The church held a speaking-in-tongues workshop last Sunday.
American English
- There was a speaking-in-tongues incident at the revival service.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; if so, metaphorically to describe incomprehensible jargon or technical talk.
Academic
Used in religious studies, linguistics, or anthropology to discuss glossolalia or similar phenomena.
Everyday
Metaphorically, to describe someone talking in a confusing or nonsensical way.
Technical
In theology or psychology, refers specifically to glossolalia as a subject of study.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “speaking in tongues”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “speaking in tongues”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “speaking in tongues”
- Mispronouncing 'tongues' as /tɒŋz/ or using it to mean speaking multiple languages fluently.
- Applying it outside religious contexts without metaphorical intent.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It literally refers to the act of speaking in a language that the speaker does not know, often associated with religious experiences like glossolalia.
While most prominently associated with Christianity, similar practices exist in other religions and cultural traditions worldwide.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically to describe speaking in a confusing, jargon-heavy, or unintelligible way in everyday language.
In British English, it's pronounced /ˈspiːkɪŋ ɪn tʌŋz/, and in American English, it's /ˈspikɪŋ ɪn tʌŋz/, with a shorter vowel in 'speaking' in American usage.
The practice of speaking in a language unknown to the speaker, often in a religious or spiritual context, such as glossolalia.
Speaking in tongues is usually formal (religious contexts), informal (metaphorical use) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “speaking in tongues”
- “talking in circles”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'tongues' as languages; 'speaking in tongues' is like speaking in unknown languages, often in church.
Conceptual Metaphor
Language as a conduit for the divine; confusion as linguistic chaos.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common context for the phrase 'speaking in tongues'?