How to Pronounce "speak ill of"
expression
SPEEK-il-uhv
SPEEK-il-ov
Definition
To say negative or unkind things about someone, usually behind their back.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈspik/ /ˈɪɫ/ /ˈəv
British English
spˈiːk/ /ˈɪl/ /ˈɒv
Simplified Pronunciation
US
SPEEK-il-uhv
UK
SPEEK-il-ov
Listen in Context
It is not nice to speak ill of your friends.
People who speak ill of others are often unhappy themselves.
She never speaks ill of anyone at work.
You really shouldn't speak ill of people when they're not around.