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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

prattle

IPA:

How to pronounce prattle (audio)

Dictionary definition of prattle

To talk at length about something trivial or not serious, characterized by a lack of depth or relevance.
"The chatty parrot continued to prattle on, mimicking human speech."

Detailed meaning of prattle

It can also refer to talk that is overly long-winded, or that repeats itself without adding new information or insights. Prattle is often used to describe talk that is not useful or important, and is often seen as a waste of time.

It can also be used to describe the talk of young children or someone who is not experienced in conversation. In literature, prattle can be used to describe a writing style that is not serious, lacks depth, and is not worthy of attention.

Example sentences containing prattle

1. The toddler began to prattle incoherently, amusing everyone around.
2. The old friends sat on the porch, reminiscing and engaging in idle prattle.
3. The teacher encouraged the students to stop prattling and focus on their work.
4. The little girl's prattle filled the room with innocent joy.
5. The elderly couple enjoyed their morning coffee, engaging in pleasant prattle.
6. The politician's speech was nothing more than empty prattle, lacking substance.

History and etymology of prattle

The verb 'prattle' finds its origins in the Middle English word 'pratelen,' which meant to talk in a chattering or babbling manner. This Middle English term was likely influenced by the Dutch word 'praten' and the Low German word 'prateln,' both of which also meant to chatter or talk idly. Over time, 'prattle' came to describe the act of speaking at length, often about trivial or inconsequential matters, and typically in a manner lacking depth or serious content. It conveys a sense of talking incessantly or without a clear purpose, often in a way that may be perceived as annoying or unimportant.

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Further usage examples of prattle

1. The siblings sat at the dinner table, engaging in playful prattle.
2. The radio host's prattle about celebrities grew tiresome after a while.
3. The friends gathered around the campfire, engaging in lighthearted prattle.
4. The CEO dismissed the employees' concerns as mere office prattle.
5. The children's prattle filled the playground with laughter and chatter.
6. The couple enjoyed their date, exchanging playful prattle throughout the evening.
7. The young boy's prattle revealed his vivid imagination and creativity.
8. The group of friends walked down the street, indulging in light-hearted prattle.
9. The colleagues sat in the breakroom, engaging in friendly prattle during their lunch break.
10. The elderly lady enjoyed listening to the birds' morning prattle outside her window.
11. The politician's prattle was met with skepticism and disbelief from the audience.
12. The book club members discussed the novel, engaging in thoughtful prattle.
13. The siblings sat on the swing set, their prattle blending with the sounds of nature.
14. She would often prattle on about her new diet, much to our boredom.
15. At the meeting, he continued to prattle, avoiding the main agenda.
16. During the road trip, their kids would prattle in the backseat.
17. Some TV shows prattle on without advancing the plot.
18. He tends to prattle about his golf game for hours.
19. Let's not prattle; we have important matters to discuss.
20. The speaker's prattle lacked substance, leaving the audience disinterested.
21. Avoid prattling about trivial matters during the interview.
22. The radio host's prattle often veers off-topic.
23. Instead of prattling, let's focus on productive conversation.
24. Don't waste time prattling; get to the point quickly.

Abundance and Excess, Vexation and Aggravation, Discipline and Self-Control, Dialogue and Articulation, Enjoyment and Delight, Conversation and Expression

babble,blather,drivel

chatter, be silent, be quiet, hush

eb68db_471a80d908b5443aa5d27fd91a0d2b87.mp3

burble,chatter,clack,gabble,jabber,patter,twitter

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