speak-up
Chunk: speak up
Meaning & Usage
Speak up has two distinct meanings. Literally, it is a request for someone to talk louder. Metaphorically, it means to express your opinion bravely and publicly, especially to defend someone or protest against something wrong.
🧲 Common Collocates
- Volume Contexts: can you speak up, have to speak up, please speak up.
- Advocacy Contexts: speak up for yourself, speak up against injustice, afraid to speak up.
💬 Contextual Examples
- I can barely hear you over the music; could you please speak up?
- If you see someone being bullied in the workplace, you need to speak up.
- She was too shy to speak up for herself during the meeting.
🎴 Interactive Web Practice
Practice 1: The microphone isn't working, so you will need to speak ______.
Answer:
up Practice 2: We need more employees to ______ up about the unfair scheduling.
Answer:
speak Practice 3: Don't be afraid to speak up ______ what you believe in.
Answer:
for 🔗 Knowledge Base Connections
- 🔑 Parent Keyword: speak
- ⚖️ Synonym Chunk (Advocacy): take-a-stand