Phrase guide

speak for oneself

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

Expressing disagreement with an opinion expressed by another.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, imperative

Examples

  • That idea makes no sense at all. – Speak for yourself! I think it's a great idea.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To have obvious implications; to require no explanation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • His fantastic record as a manager speaks for itself.
  • His actions speak for themselves.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see speak, for. To provide an opinion only on one's own behalf.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • I'm here speaking for myself, not for my company.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

18 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: puhu omasta puolestasi! — expressing disagreement
  • French: parle pour toi ! — expressing disagreement
  • Hungarian: a maga/saját nevében beszél — expressing disagreement
  • Russian: говори́ть за себя́ (govorítʹ za sebjá) — expressing disagreement
  • Spanish: dilo por ti — expressing disagreement
  • Spanish: habla por ti — expressing disagreement
  • Catalan: parla per si mateixa — to have obvious meaning
  • Catalan: parlen per si mateixes — to have obvious meaning
  • Dutch: voor zich spreken — to have obvious meaning
  • Finnish: puhua puolestaan — to have obvious meaning
  • French: parler de soi-même — to have obvious meaning
  • German: für sich selbst sprechen — to have obvious meaning
  • Hungarian: magáért beszél — to have obvious meaning
  • Italian: parlare da solo — to have obvious meaning
  • Polish: rozumieć się sam przez się — to have obvious meaning
  • Polish: mówić sam za siebie — to have obvious meaning
  • Russian: говори́ть за себя́ (govorítʹ za sebjá) — to have obvious meaning
  • Spanish: habla por sí mismo — to have obvious meaning