Blather: meaning, definitions and examples

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blather

[ˈblæðər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in conversation

Talk long-windedly without making much sense.

Synonyms

babble, prattle, ramble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word has roots in the Irish word 'bláthair', which means 'to talk nonsense'.
It appeared in the English language in the mid-19th century, reflecting informal speech.

Literature

The term often appears in works to describe characters who are talkative but lack substance.
Authors use it to convey a sense of frustration with meaningless chatter in society.

Pop Culture

In modern media, 'blather' is used to critique political speeches that seem long-winded yet lack real information.
Talk shows sometimes showcase guests who blather, turning it into entertainment.

Psychology

People may blather as a way to fill awkward silences or to avoid deeper conversations.
It's often seen as a coping mechanism for anxiety in social situations.

Colloquial Usage

In everyday conversation, it can be a humorous way to describe someone who won't stop talking.
Many use it to express frustration when someone is rambling instead of getting to the point.

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

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.

...
38299 brainwash
38300 awesomely
38301 yowling
38302 blather
38303 agitatedly
38304 fessed
38305 discompose
...