To speak
Definition
To address words to someone, to begin to speak, to utter or express something through speech; to call or summon by name. In old chronicle texts, religious literature, or folklore, the term defines a solemn or familiar act of verbal communication, often used to introduce direct speech or a divine revelation.
Bilingual Equivalents
- To speak
- To utter
Grammatical & Source Details
| Inflection Type | Fourth conjugation verb, following the standard structural patterns of verbs ending in '-i' with an '-esc' suffix in the present tense. |
| Formation | Derived internally within Romanian by adding the prefix 'a-' to the core archaic verb 'grăi'. |
| Spelling / Pronunciation | [a.ɡrə.ˈi] |
| Source | Lexicon of Historical Philology and Medieval Literary Forms |
Contextual Usage Examples
RO: Domnitorul se întoarse către boieri și începu a-i agrăi cu o voce blândă, dar hotărâtă.
EN: The ruler turned toward the boyars and began to address them with a soft but firm voice.
RO: În basmul popular, calul cel năzdrăvan prinse a agrăi omenește pentru a-și avertiza stăpânul de primejdie.
EN: In the popular fairy tale, the magical horse began to speak in human tongue to warn his master of danger.
RO: Bătrânul satului nu a vrut să agrăiască nicio vorbă despre comoara ascunsă în peșteră.
EN: The village elder refused to utter a single word about the treasure hidden in the cave.
Idioms & Phrases
A agrăi pe cineva / To address someone / to hail someone
RO: Sintagmă veche ce indică fapta de a intra direct în vorbă cu o persoană sau de a o saluta cu respect.
EN: An old phrase indicating the act of directly entering into conversation with a person or greeting them respectfully.
A nu prinde a agrăi / To remain speechless / to not speak a word
RO: Expresie idiomatică regională folosită pentru a descrie o stare de uimire profundă sau de frică în care cineva își pierde graiul.
EN: A regional idiomatic expression used to describe a state of deep astonishment or fear where someone loses their speech.
A agrăi cu blândețe / To speak with gentleness
RO: Formulă literară ce descrie un mod cald și împăciuitor de a sfătui sau de a mângâia pe cineva aflat la necaz.
EN: A literary formula describing a warm and peaceful way of advising or comforting someone in trouble.
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