drone on
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To speak for a long time in a dull, monotonous, and boring tone, often about an uninteresting topic.
Usage
This verb is used to describe the action of speaking in a continuous, unchanging, and tedious manner. It implies the speech is lengthy and lacks engaging variation in pitch or energy, often causing the listener to lose interest. It is typically used with the preposition "about" to introduce the topic.
Examples
- The lecturer droned on for over an hour about tax regulations.
- I tried to listen, but he just droned on about his computer problems.
- She has a tendency to drone on when explaining the rules.
Advanced Usage
- "to drone on and on": An intensified form emphasizing the excessive and seemingly endless nature of the monotonous speech.
- He droned on and on about his vacation, showing us hundreds of photos.
Variants and Related Words
- Drone (verb): To make a continuous low dull sound; can also be used similarly to mean to speak monotonously.
- The engine droned in the background.
- He droned through his prepared statement.
Synonyms
- Ramble: To talk or write at length in a confused or inconsequential way.
- Monotone: To speak in a single, unvarying tone.
- Go on (and on): To continue talking, especially for too long.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Drag on: To last longer than is necessary or interesting (can refer to events or speech).
- The meeting dragged on for hours.
Related Idioms
- Talk someone's ear off: To talk to someone for a long time, especially about things they are not interested in.
- My uncle talked my ear off about his golf game.
Verb
- talk in a monotonous voice