Blather: meaning, definitions and examples

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blather

 

[ ˈblæðər ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

in conversation

Talk long-windedly without making much sense.

Synonyms

babble, prattle, ramble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blather

Used when someone is talking at length in a foolish or meaningless way. Often implies a sense of irritation or impatience.

  • He's always blathering on about his conspiracy theories
  • I couldn't concentrate with all that blather in the background
ramble

Indicates talking or writing at length in a confused or inconsequential manner, usually lacking a clear focus or point.

  • He tends to ramble when he's tired
  • Her letter was a rambly mess of different ideas
babble

Describes continuous talking that is hard to understand, often associated with excitement, confusion, or childishness.

  • The baby started to babble as soon as she saw her mother
  • He was so nervous, he just babbled throughout the interview
prattle

Refers to talking at length in a silly or inconsequential way, typically in a trivial or light-hearted manner.

  • She prattled on about her cat for nearly an hour
  • The children were prattling away in the backseat

Examples of usage

  • He blathered on about his problems for hours.
  • Stop blathering and get to the point!
Context #2 | Noun

informal

Long-winded talk with little substance.

Synonyms

drivel, gibberish, nonsense.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blather

Blather is often used to describe someone talking at length without making much sense. It can be casual and is frequently used in informal conversations.

  • He just kept on blathering about his new car.
  • I can't concentrate with all this blather.
drivel

Drivel is used to describe talk that is silly, senseless, or meaningless. It carries a negative connotation and is often used to criticize someone's speech or writing.

  • What nonsense! This is just drivel.
  • Stop talking drivel and get to the point.
nonsense

Nonsense is a broad term used to describe speech, writing, or behavior that is absurd or has no meaning. It is versatile and can be both casual and formal.

  • This theory is complete nonsense.
  • She was speaking nonsense after she woke up from the surgery.
gibberish

Gibberish refers to speech or writing that is nonsensical or incomprehensible. It often suggests that the speaker is unable to be understood.

  • He was so nervous that he started talking gibberish.
  • The instructions were nothing but gibberish to me.

Examples of usage

  • The meeting was just a bunch of blather with no real decisions made.
  • I can't stand listening to his blather anymore.

Translations

Translations of the word "blather" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tagarelice

🇮🇳 बकवास

🇩🇪 Geschwätz

🇮🇩 ocehan

🇺🇦 балаканина

🇵🇱 paplanina

🇯🇵 無駄話 (むだばなし)

🇫🇷 bavardage

🇪🇸 charla

🇹🇷 zırva

🇰🇷 헛소리

🇸🇦 ثرثرة

🇨🇿 tlachání

🇸🇰 táranie

🇨🇳 废话 (fèihuà)

🇸🇮 klevete

🇮🇸 blaður

🇰🇿 сандал

🇬🇪 საუბარი

🇦🇿 söhbət

🇲🇽 charla

Etymology

The word 'blather' originated from the Old Norse word 'blathra' which means 'to chatter'. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English 'blatheren' and eventually took on the meaning of talking nonsensically or at length. The word has been used in English since the 15th century.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,302, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.