chattering
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A rapid, continuous, and often high-pitched sound made by certain animals, such as birds or monkeys. 2. A rapid series of short, sharp, often metallic sounds, typically caused by the vibration or collision of parts in a machine.
Usage
- The noun "chattering" describes a specific type of continuous, repetitive noise. It often implies a sound that is somewhat sharp, rapid, and can be perceived as lively, nervous, or mechanical.
- It is commonly used with the definite article "the" (e.g., ) or a possessive (e.g., ).
Examples
- Animal sound:
- We woke up to the chattering of squirrels in the trees.
- The jungle was filled with the chattering of monkeys.
- Machine sound:
- The chattering of the old engine was a sign it needed repair.
- A loose component caused a constant chattering from the printer.
Advanced Usage
- "Chattering classes" (idiom, chiefly British English): A sometimes critical term for people, especially in the media and academia, who are perceived as talking a lot about politics and social issues without practical experience or consequences.
- The policy was widely discussed by the chattering classes.
Variants and Related Words
- Chatter (verb): To make a rapid series of short, sharp sounds. (e.g., / )
- Chatter (noun): Can be used interchangeably with "chattering" for both animal and machine noises. (e.g., )
- Chatterbox (noun, informal): A person who talks a lot.
Synonyms
- For animal sounds: chittering, twittering.
- For machine sounds: clattering, rattling, clacking.
Related Phrases
- Chatter away: To talk quickly, continuously, and often trivially.
- They chattered away for hours about the latest gossip.
- Chatter on: Similar to "chatter away," implying talking persistently.
- He chattered on about his vacation without noticing my lack of interest.
Noun
- the high-pitched continuing noise made by animals (birds or monkeys)
- the rapid series of noises made by the parts of a machine