Dictionary monolingual
English

Talking

ˈtɔkɪŋ
Very common
~ 2200
~ 2200
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Talking -

Engaging in conversation or discussion with someone

Example: We were talking about our weekend plans.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations
Note: Commonly used in everyday interactions to refer to verbal communication.

Speaking or expressing thoughts or ideas verbally

Example: She was talking to the audience about her new book.
Usage: formalContext: public speaking or presentations
Note: Often used in professional or academic settings to denote verbal communication in a formal context.

Gossiping or engaging in idle chatter

Example: They were talking behind her back.
Usage: informalContext: social situations
Note: Can have a negative connotation when used to describe spreading rumors or talking negatively about someone.

Talking's synonyms

speaking

Speaking refers to the act of communicating verbally with others.
Example: She enjoys speaking with people from different cultures.
Note: Speaking is more formal and often implies a deliberate act of communication.

chatting

Chatting is a casual way of talking informally with someone.
Example: We were chatting about our weekend plans.
Note: Chatting is more relaxed and implies a friendly or informal conversation.

conversing

Conversing means engaging in a conversation or dialogue with someone.
Example: They were conversing in French at the party.
Note: Conversing is a more formal term and suggests a two-way exchange of ideas or information.

discussing

Discussing involves talking about a particular topic or issue in detail.
Example: The group was discussing the latest developments in technology.
Note: Discussing is more focused on exchanging thoughts or opinions on a specific subject.

communicating

Communicating encompasses all forms of exchanging information, including talking, writing, and non-verbal cues.
Example: Effective communication is key in any relationship.
Note: Communicating is a broader term that includes verbal and non-verbal forms of expression.

Talking expressions, common phrases

Talk the talk

To talk the talk means to speak in a way that suggests knowledge or expertise on a particular subject or to express intentions or opinions convincingly.
Example: She talks the talk about eating healthy, but she still indulges in junk food.
Note: This phrase emphasizes not only speaking but also implying action or behavior behind the words.

Small talk

Small talk refers to light, casual conversation about topics that are not deep or serious.
Example: I engaged in some small talk with my colleague before the meeting started.
Note: While 'talking' can cover any kind of conversation, 'small talk' specifically refers to informal or superficial chatting.

Talk shop

To talk shop means to discuss work-related matters, especially when in a non-work setting.
Example: Let's not talk shop at dinner tonight, I want to relax and enjoy our meal.
Note: This phrase focuses on discussing work-related topics, distinguishing it from general 'talking.'

Talk someone's ear off

To talk someone's ear off means to talk to someone for a long time, often without allowing them to speak or without giving them a chance to leave.
Example: She talked my ear off about her new project for hours.
Note: This phrase implies excessive or one-sided conversation, unlike regular 'talking' which is more balanced.

Talk back

To talk back means to reply rudely or disrespectfully to someone in authority or to answer in a cheeky or impertinent manner.
Example: He got in trouble for talking back to his teacher during class.
Note: While 'talking' can be neutral, 'talking back' specifically connotes a negative or defiant response.

Talk sense into

To talk sense into someone means to try to make them think rationally or sensibly, especially when they are being irrational or illogical.
Example: She tried to talk sense into her friend who was about to make a reckless decision.
Note: This phrase implies an attempt to persuade or reason with someone, contrasting with general 'talking' without the intention of influencing behavior or decisions.

Talk is cheap

Talk is cheap is used to emphasize that merely talking about doing something is easy, but it's actions that matter.
Example: Stop promising to help me, talk is cheap; I need to see some action.
Note: This phrase highlights the importance of actions over mere words, contrasting with the act of talking itself.

Talking everyday (slang) expressions

Chit-chat

Casual or idle conversation, often about unimportant matters.
Example: Let's have a quick chit-chat before the meeting.
Note: More informal and light-hearted than 'talking.'

Rant

To speak or shout at length in an angry, impassioned way.
Example: He went on a rant about his new job.
Note: Implies a stronger emotional tone compared to regular talking.

Yakking

Talking incessantly or noisily.
Example: Stop yakking and listen to what I have to say!
Note: Has a more negative connotation suggesting annoyance or irritation.

Gossiping

Talking about other people's private lives or affairs, often in a casual or sensational manner.
Example: They spent the afternoon gossiping about their coworkers.
Note: Focuses on discussing personal or sensational information rather than general conversation.

Jabbering

Talking rapidly and excitedly, often in a way that may seem nonsensical.
Example: She kept jabbering on about her new project.
Note: Suggests a fast and perhaps unstructured way of talking.

Blabbering

Talking excessively or thoughtlessly.
Example: Stop blabbering and get to the point.
Note: Often implies talking too much or speaking without thinking.

Talking - Examples

Talking to her always makes me feel better.
He gave a long speech about his plans for the future.
We had a pleasant conversation over dinner.

Talking grammar

Talking - Verb (Verb) / Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle)
Lemma: talk
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): talks, talk
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): talk
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): talked
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): talking
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): talks
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): talk
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): talk
Syllables, Separation and Stress
talking Contains 1 syllables: talk
Phonetic transcription: ˈtȯk
talk , ˈtȯk (The red syllable is stressed)

Talking - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
talking: ~ 2200 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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