Talk: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ’ฌ
Add to dictionary

talk

 

[ tษ”หk ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

communication

To communicate by speaking, to have a conversation.

Synonyms

chat, converse, speak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
talk

General word for any kind of verbal communication. Can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • We need to talk about your performance
  • He likes to talk about his travels
speak

More formal than 'talk', used in both giving speeches and regular conversation. Can imply a one-sided communication in some contexts.

  • Can you speak to the manager? She will speak at the conference next week
chat

Informal conversation, usually casual and friendly. Often used for light, non-serious topics.

  • Let's chat over a cup of coffee
  • They were chatting about their weekend plans
converse

Formal or serious conversation. This term is more commonly used in intellectual or academic discussions.

  • They conversed about the implications of the new law
  • She enjoys conversing with her colleagues about research

Examples of usage

  • Let's talk about the upcoming project.
  • I need to talk to you about something important.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A conversation or discussion.

Synonyms

chat, conversation, discussion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
talk

General, informal communication or speech about different topics.

  • We need to talk about your grades
  • Let's talk about the plans for the weekend
conversation

A formal or informal exchange of ideas, typically more structured and meaningful.

  • The conversation at the party was very engaging
  • I overheard a fascinating conversation between two scientists
discussion

Deliberation or debate, often involving multiple people and focusing on a specific subject.

  • We had a discussion about the company's new policy
  • The discussion in the meeting took longer than expected
chat

Casual or light conversation, often used in friendly or social contexts.

  • Let's chat over coffee
  • I had a nice chat with a colleague during lunch

Examples of usage

  • I had a talk with my boss about my performance at work.
  • We need to have a talk about our relationship.

Translations

Translations of the word "talk" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น falar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคพเคค เค•เคฐเคจเคพ (baat karna)

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช sprechen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ berbicara

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณะพะฒะพั€ะธั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ mรณwiฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฉฑใ™ (ใฏใชใ™, hanasu)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท parler

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ hablar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท konuลŸmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋งํ•˜๋‹ค (malhada)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠุชุญุฏุซ (yatahadath)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mluvit

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hovoriลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฏด่ฏ (shuลhuร )

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ govoriti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ tala

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัำฉะนะปะตัƒ (sรถyleu)

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒฃแƒ‘แƒแƒ แƒ˜ (saubari)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ danฤฑลŸmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ hablar

Etymology

The word 'talk' originated from the Old English word 'talucian', meaning 'converse'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include both the act of speaking and the conversations themselves. Communication through talking has been a fundamental aspect of human interaction throughout history, allowing for the exchange of ideas, emotions, and information.

See also: talkative, talkativeness, talked, talker, talking.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,003, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.