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Definition of upspeak

upspeak

/ˈʌpˌspiːk/
up · speak
Past Simple:upspoke
•
Past Participle:upspoken
•
Present Participle:upspeaking
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upspeak Lexical Profile

upspeak Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A manner of speaking in which declarative sentences are uttered with a rising intonation at the end, as if they were questions.

Example

"The communications coach advised the presenter to avoid upspeak so her conclusions would sound more authoritative."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for upspeak

• verb

1

To speak with a rising intonation at the end of a declarative statement, making it sound like a question.

Example

"Many people unconsciously upspeak when they are nervous or seeking confirmation from their listeners."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for upspeak

• Nearby Words

upskirt
upskirting
upslope
upspeak
upstage
upstairs
upstanding

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 20th century as a compound of 'up' and 'speak', modeled on George Orwell's 'Newspeak' to describe rising terminal intonation.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Upspeak. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/upspeak
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