Drivel Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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drivel
[ˈdrɪv(ə)l ]
Definitions
waste of words
Silly or meaningless talk or writing; nonsense. Drivel is often characterized by its lack of substance or value.
Synonyms
balderdash, gibberish, nonsense, rubbish, twaddle.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| drivel |
Use when referring to talking or writing that is foolish or silly and makes no sense.
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| nonsense |
A general term suitable for both formal and informal contexts to describe something that lacks sense, logic, or meaningfulness.
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| gibberish |
Used when someone is speaking or writing in a way that is completely incomprehensible, often due to a lack of coherence or structure.
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| balderdash |
Suitable for informal contexts to show disbelief or mockery of someone's statement. It has a slightly more old-fashioned and humorous tone.
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| rubbish |
Commonly used in British English to describe something as worthless, untrue, or nonsensical. It carries a mildly negative connotation.
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| twaddle |
Often used in British English, informal, usually to describe trivial or insignificant talk. It has a playful or dismissive tone.
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Examples of usage
- Stop talking drivel and get to the point.
- I can't stand listening to his drivel any longer.
speak foolishly
To talk or write in a silly or meaningless way; to utter nonsense. Drivel can be seen as a form of babbling without coherent thought.
Synonyms
babble, blather, jabber, prattle, ramble.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| drivel |
Used to describe nonsensical or foolish talk, often with a negative connotation. It emphasizes content that is pointless or irrelevant.
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| babble |
Often refers to continuous, incoherent talk, typically from excitement or nervousness. It can be used in both negative and neutral contexts.
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| ramble |
Describes talk that is long-winded and disorganized, often straying from the main topic. It can be slightly negative but is often used in a forgiving manner.
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| prattle |
Refers to talk that is aimless or trivial, often used for children or adults talking in a childish manner. It carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation.
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| jabber |
Describes rapid and often excited talk that can be hard to understand. It has a playful or informal connotation.
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| blather |
Used to describe long-winded talk that often has little substance. It implies a sense of exasperation or irritation from the listener.
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Examples of usage
- He continued to drivel on about his theories.
- Please stop driveling and focus on the task at hand.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In various films and shows, characters often use the term drivel to dismiss over-the-top theories or ridiculous statements.
- Catchphrases containing the word have appeared in comedy routines, playing up the silliness of the spoken nonsense.
- In online forums, users might describe someone's misguided opinions as drivel, adding a humorous tone to criticisms.
Literature
- Notable authors, including Samuel Johnson, have used the term to critique writing that lacks substance or depth.
- In modern literature, characters may use the word to showcase their disdain for pointless discussions.
- Some classic novels have portrayed excessive 'drivel' in dialogues to highlight characters' ignorance or pomposity.
Psychology
- Engaging in drivel can be a coping mechanism; some individuals talk nonsense to lighten the atmosphere during stress.
- Psychologists suggest that drivel can function as a form of social bonding, helping people connect over shared laughter.
- The propensity to use absurdity in speech is linked to creative thinking, showcasing cognitive flexibility.
Language
- The term has synonyms like 'gibberish' and 'babble,' all suggesting forms of nonsensical talk.
- In rhetoric, drivel is often employed to describe arguments that lack coherence or logical reasoning.
- Dialects around the world may have their own versions of the term, showcasing how cultures express disdain for nonsense.
Origin of 'drivel'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'drivelen,' meaning to dribble or let flow, originally referring to saliva.
- Its earliest use can be traced back to the 14th century, suggesting a long history of referring to unimportant talk.
- The word evolved to describe not just saliva, but also speech that spills out carelessly.
The word 'drivel' originated from the Old English word 'dreflian' meaning 'to slobber, be feeble-minded'. Over time, it evolved to refer to silly or meaningless talk. The term has been used since the Middle Ages to describe nonsensical speech or writing.