talk

1. 1

   To communicate, usually by means of speech.intransitive

   • Let's sit down and talk.
   • Although I don't speak Chinese, I managed to talk with the villagers using signs and gestures.
2. 2

   To discuss; to talk about.informaltransitive

   • They sat down to talk business.
   • That's enough about work, let's talk holidays!
3. 3

   To speak (a certain language).transitive

   • We talk French sometimes.
4. 4

   Used to emphasise the importance, size, complexity etc. of the thing mentioned.informaltransitive

   • Are you interested in the job? They're talking big money.
   • We're not talking rocket science here: it should be easy.
5. 5

   To confess, especially implicating others.intransitiveslang

   • Suppose he talks?
   • She can be relied upon not to talk.
6. 6

   To criticize someone for something of which one is guilty oneself.intransitive

   • I am not the one to talk.
   • She is a fine one to talk.
7. 7

   To gossip; to create scandal.intransitive

   • People will talk.
   • Aren't you afraid the neighbours will talk?
8. 8

   To manifest outwardly in speech, as opposed to reality or action.transitive

   • Remember that Christ and Christianity may not always be the same thing; e.g. Jerry Falwell talks "Christianity" but practices hatred […] which is diametrically opposed to what Jesus really taught.
9. 9

   To influence someone to express something, especially a particular stance or viewpoint or in a particular manner.informal

   • That's not like you at all, Jared. The drugs are talking. Snap out of it!

syn. chat · communicate · dictate · klatch · let on · make known · orate · say · speak · speechify · tell · write up

1. 1

   A conversation or discussion; usually serious, but informal.countableuncountable

   • We need to have a talk about your homework.
2. 2

   A lecture.countableuncountable

   • There is a talk on Shakespeare tonight.
3. 3

   Gossip; rumour.uncountable

   • There's been talk lately about the two of them.
4. 4

   A major topic of social discussion.countableuncountable

   • She is the talk of the day.
   • The musical is the talk of the town.
5. 5

   A customary conversation by parent(s) or guardian(s) with their (often teenage) child about a reality of life; in particular:; A customary conversation in which parent(s) explain sexual intercourse to their child.countableuncountable

   • Have you had the talk with Jay yet? I found a condom in his room.
6. 6

   A customary conversation by parent(s) or guardian(s) with their (often teenage) child about a reality of life; in particular:; A customary conversation in which the parent(s) of a black child explain the racism and violence they may face, especially when interacting with police, and strategies to manage it.UScountableuncountable

   • Later, I made sure to have the talk with my son about being a black boy, […]
   • All the black parents I have ever spoken to have had “the talk” with their sons and daughters. “The talk” is a conversation about how to behave and not to behave with police.
7. 7

   Empty boasting, promises or claims.uncountable

   • The party leader's speech was all talk.
8. 8

   Meeting to discuss a particular matter.countableplural-normallyuncountable

   • The leaders of the G8 nations are currently in talks over nuclear weapons.

syn. blabber · blather · conversation · discussion · gossip · prattle · speech · talk

ant. silence