Talkative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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talkative

[ˈtɔːkətɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a conversation

tending to talk a lot; fond of talking; loquacious

Synonyms

chatty, communicative, garrulous, verbose.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
talkative

Use this word to describe someone who talks a lot, generally neutral in connotation.

  • She's very talkative at social gatherings
chatty

This is informal and friendly, often used when someone enjoys casual conversations.

  • He's always so chatty at family dinners
garrulous

This word has a negative connotation and is used to describe someone who talks excessively, often about trivial matters.

  • The garrulous old man kept us there for hours with his stories
verbose

Use this in a somewhat negative or critical context, indicating someone uses more words than necessary.

  • His verbose explanation made the simple concept much harder to understand
communicative

Use this in a more formal context, often to describe someone who effectively shares information.

  • She is very communicative, which is great for team projects

Examples of usage

  • She's very talkative, she never stops talking!
  • The talkative boy entertained his classmates with his stories.
Context #2 | Adjective

characteristic

having a tendency to talk freely, openly, or too much

Synonyms

expressive, gabby, vocal, voluble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
talkative

Used to describe someone who enjoys talking a lot in general. It's neutral, can be both positive and negative depending on the context.

  • She's known for being very talkative during meetings.
  • My son is really talkative with his friends.
voluble

Indicates someone who speaks easily and at length, often smoothly and with enthusiasm. Mostly neutral, can be slightly positive.

  • The senator was known for his voluble speeches.
  • Her voluble nature made her a captivating speaker.
gabby

Informal and slightly negative, used to describe someone who talks too much in a casual or trivial manner.

  • The new intern is a bit too gabby during work hours.
  • I find her gabby nature a bit overwhelming at times.
vocal

Describes someone who is willing to speak out or express their opinions loudly and clearly. Neutral to slightly positive connotation.

  • She is very vocal about her support for environmental issues.
  • The group became more vocal as the meeting progressed.
expressive

Refers to someone who communicates their thoughts and feelings openly and effectively, often involving emotion. This word has a positive connotation.

  • He's very expressive when he discusses his plans for the future.
  • The actor is incredibly expressive in his performances.

Examples of usage

  • The talkative parrot wouldn't stop repeating everything it heard.
  • She became more talkative after a few drinks.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research suggests that talkative people tend to be more extroverted and often find joy in social situations.
  • Conversationalists can create stronger bonds with others through storytelling, as sharing experiences helps build connections.
  • Being talkative can also be a way for individuals to process their thoughts and emotions in real-time.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, being talkative is seen as a sign of friendliness and approachability, while in others, quietness may be valued more.
  • Certain social settings, like gatherings or parties, encourage being talkative, reinforcing social ties and creating enjoyable atmospheres.

Education

  • Talkative children often engage more during class discussions, helping them learn through active participation.
  • Teachers may encourage talkative students to share insights which can benefit the entire class by opening up discussions.

Pop Culture

  • Many famous comedians and entertainers are known for their talkative nature, using humor to engage and connect with audiences.
  • In movies, the archetype of the talkative friend often provides comic relief and makes the story more dynamic through dialogue.

Origin of 'talkative'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'talkative' comes from the word 'talk,' which has roots in Old English 'talcian', meaning 'to speak'.
  • The suffix '-ative' indicates a tendency, so 'talkative' describes someone with a tendency to speak frequently.

The word 'talkative' originated from the Middle English word 'talkatif', which in turn came from the Old French word 'talkatif' meaning 'chatty'. The suffix '-ive' was added to form the adjective. The term has been in use since the 15th century to describe people who are inclined to talk a lot or are fond of conversation.


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

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,871, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.