Talked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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talked

[tɔːkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

communication

Speak in order to give information or express ideas or feelings; converse or communicate by spoken words.

Synonyms

chat, communicate, discuss.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
talked

Best used in any general conversation between two or more people. It is flexible and appropriate for most settings.

  • They talked for hours about their plans for the weekend
communicate

Best used in formal or professional contexts, often referring to the exchange of information effectively.

  • It's important to communicate your ideas clearly during a meeting
chat

Use when referring to a casual, informal conversation, usually among friends or in a relaxed environment.

  • We had a nice chat over coffee
discuss

Ideal for conversations involving detailed analysis, debate, or decision-making, usually in a formal or serious context.

  • We need to discuss the terms of the contract

Examples of usage

  • He talked about his new job during dinner.
  • She talked to her friend on the phone for hours.
  • Let's sit down and talk about our plans for the weekend.
Context #2 | Verb

gossip

Engage in conversation about other people; spread rumors or talk in a trivial, idle, or casual way.

Synonyms

chatter, gossip, rumor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
talked

Used in general conversations or discussions. It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • We talked about our weekend plans.
  • She talked to her manager about the upcoming project.
gossip

Involves talking about other people's private or personal affairs, often in a judgmental or speculative manner. It typically has a negative connotation.

  • "They spent the afternoon gossiping about their neighbors."
  • "Office gossip can often be harmful and spread misinformation."
chatter

Refers to casual, light, and often trivial talk. It is usually informal and can sometimes imply a lot of talking with little substance.

  • "The children chattered excitedly about their new toys."
  • "The office was filled with the chatter of coworkers."
rumor

Refers to a piece of information or a story that is not verified and is often spread informally. It usually has a negative connotation and can lead to misinformation.

  • "There was a rumor going around that the company was going to lay off employees."
  • "She heard a rumor about her friend's new relationship."

Examples of usage

  • She talked about her co-workers behind their backs.
  • Don't believe everything you hear people talking about.
Context #3 | Noun

discussion

An informal exchange of ideas by spoken words.

Synonyms

chat, conversation, discussion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
talked

Same as the first occurrence; refers to speaking with someone, generally in various contexts, from casual to serious.

  • She talked with her teacher after class
  • We talked for hours last night
conversation

Describes a general exchange of opinions, news, information, etc., between two or more people. Not necessarily informal and can be used in both personal and professional settings.

  • They had a conversation about the new project
  • Our conversation revealed a lot about each other
chat

Indicates a casual or informal conversation, often focusing on trivial or light matters. Commonly associated with friendly, relaxed dialogue, such as catching up with friends or small talk.

  • We had a chat over coffee
  • They chatted about their favorite TV shows
discussion

Typically implies a more structured or serious exchange of ideas or information, often aimed at reaching a decision or exploring a topic in depth. Frequently used in academic, professional, or formal settings.

  • We had a discussion about the company's future strategy
  • The discussion covered all aspects of the issue

Examples of usage

  • The talk turned to politics at the dinner table.
  • Let's have a talk about your behavior.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, talking is seen as a vital social skill, essential for building relationships and community.
  • Public speaking has a rich history, with figures like Cicero and Demosthenes known for their impactful speaking styles.
  • Storytelling, which often involves talking, is a traditional art form across cultures, used to pass down history and values.

Psychology

  • Talking can have therapeutic benefits, as expressing thoughts and feelings is essential for mental health and emotional processing.
  • Research shows that engaging in conversation can boost cognitive function and help develop critical thinking skills.
  • Talking to oneself is a common behavior that can enhance focus and problem-solving abilities.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'talking heads' describes TV personalities or commentary figures known for discussing various topics, reflecting casual conversation styles.
  • Movies and songs often explore themes of communication, illustrating the importance and power of words in relationships.
  • Famous quotes like 'talk is cheap' highlight the notion that actions often speak louder than words.

Technology

  • The rise of social media platforms has transformed the way people communicate, with 'talking' now extending to digital messaging and video calls.
  • In the tech world, talking can also refer to voice recognition software, which enables devices to understand and respond to human speech.
  • Chatbots and AI are becoming increasingly proficient at 'talking' with users, creating a new dimension of interaction.

Origin of 'talked'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'talk' comes from Middle English 'talken,' influenced by Scandinavian languages where similar terms meant to chatter or discuss.
  • In Old English, 'tale' referred to a story or conversation, showing how speaking and storytelling have always been connected.
  • The evolution of 'talked' reflects changes in communication as societies developed and became more verbal.

The word 'talked' originated from the Old English word 'talcnian' which means 'to speak, tell, or utter.' Over time, the word evolved to its current form with the addition of the past tense marker '-ed.' 'Talked' has been used in English language for centuries to describe the act of communicating verbally with others.


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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,912, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.