spoken

UK: ˈspəʊkən | US: ˈspoʊkən

Definition
  1. adj. expressed orally; delivered through speech

  2. adj. (of a language) used in verbal communication

  3. v. past participle of "speak"

Structure
spoke <speak (past tense of "speak")>en <past participle suffix>
Etymology

The word "spoken" originates from the Old English "sprecen," the past participle of "sprecan" (to speak). The suffix "-en" was commonly used in Middle English to form past participles of strong verbs. Over time, "spoken" evolved to describe anything delivered through speech, distinguishing it from written or unspoken forms. The root "speak" itself traces back to Proto-Germanic *sprekaną, reflecting the core concept of verbal communication.

Examples
  1. She prefers spoken instructions over written ones.

  2. English is the most widely spoken language in the world.

  3. The agreement was made verbally but never spoken aloud.

  4. His spoken words carried great weight in the meeting.

  5. The actor’s spoken delivery captivated the audience.