Talking: meaning, definitions and examples

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talking

[ˈtɔːkɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

communication

The act of communicating by speaking; the exchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech.

Synonyms

chatting, communicating, conversing, discussing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
talking	Used in general situations where people are simply exchanging words or having a conversation without a specific purpose. She was talking to her friend on the phone. They were talking about their summer plans.
chatting	Typically used for informal, light-hearted, or casual conversations, often with friends or acquaintances. They were chatting about their favorite TV shows. We spent the afternoon chatting over coffee.
conversing	Formal or intellectual discussions, often used in contexts where the quality or depth of the conversation is emphasized. They were conversing about philosophy. She enjoyed conversing with the professors.
communicating	Used when referring to the act of exchanging information or ideas, often implies a more formal or structured process. They were communicating through email. Effective communicating is essential in a team.
discussing	Used when talking about something specific with the aim of reaching a decision or understanding, often more serious or focused. They are discussing the new project. We need to set time aside for discussing the budget.

Examples of usage

He was talking on the phone with his friend.
She was talking to her colleague about the project.
I overheard them talking about their vacation plans.
We need to sit down and have a serious talk about this issue.
The children were talking excitedly about their upcoming field trip.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

gossip

A conversation or discussion, typically about other people; idle chatter or rumors, especially about the personal or private affairs of others.

Synonyms

chattering, gossiping, murmuring, rumoring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
talking	General term for when people communicate verbally with each other. It can be used in almost any situation where two or more people are having a conversation. They were talking about their plans for the weekend. We spent the entire evening talking and catching up.
gossiping	Refers to talking about other people's private lives, usually in a negative or secretive way. They were gossiping about their coworker's personal life. Gossiping behind someone's back can be very hurtful.
chattering	Often used to describe people speaking quickly or in a lively manner. It can also refer to the sound small animals make. "The kids were chattering excitedly about their school trip. The monkeys were chattering in the trees above us.
rumoring	Involves spreading information that is not confirmed to be true. Often has a negative connotation as it can lead to misinformation. There were rumors circulating about the new manager. They were rumored to be planning a surprise announcement.
murmuring	Describes speaking quietly and often in a way that is hard to understand. It can also refer to a continuous low sound. The audience was murmuring quietly during the intermission. He was murmuring something under his breath.

Examples of usage

There was a lot of talking going on about the new couple in the neighborhood.
I don't want to participate in this kind of negative talking about someone behind their back.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'talk' comes from Old English 'tale,' meaning to recount or tell.
In Middle English, 'talken' described the action of speaking or chatting.
The concept of talking has evolved to encompass various forms of communication, from casual conversation to formal speeches.

Psychology

Speaking can enhance relationships by fostering connection and understanding between people.
Research shows that expressing feelings verbally can lead to better emotional health.
Studies indicate that active listening during talking can improve problem-solving skills and empathy.

Linguistics

Languages around the world have different ways of expressing talking, reflecting cultural nuances in communication.
Pragmatics, a branch of linguistics, studies how context influences the way people talk and understand conversation.
Nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and gestures, play a crucial role in how effectively we communicate while talking.

Pop Culture

Television shows and movies often portray talking as a means of character development, revealing personality and motives.
Talk shows are a popular format where guests share stories and discuss current events, showcasing varying perspectives.
Musical genres, such as hip-hop, often incorporate talking rhythms and conversational lyrics to convey powerful messages.

Education

Talking is an essential part of classroom activities, encouraging participation and collaborative learning among students.
Oral communication skills are vital for success in professional environments, helping individuals convey ideas effectively.
Debates and discussions in learning settings promote critical thinking and help students articulate their arguments.

Translations

Translations of the word "talking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falando

🇮🇳 बातचीत

🇩🇪 sprechen

🇮🇩 berbicara

🇺🇦 розмова

🇵🇱 rozmowa

🇯🇵 話すこと (はなすこと)

🇫🇷 parler

🇪🇸 hablando

🇹🇷 konuşma

🇰🇷 말하기 (malhagi)

🇸🇦 التحدث (altahaduth)

🇨🇿 mluvení

🇸🇰 rozprávanie

🇨🇳 说话 (shuōhuà)

🇸🇮 govorjenje

🇮🇸 tala

🇰🇿 сөйлесу

🇬🇪 ლაპარაკი (laparak'i)

🇦🇿 danışmaq

🇲🇽 hablando

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,704, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1701 battle
1702 device
1703 thou
1704 talking
1705 overall
1706 becoming
1707 weather
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