Definition

1. Noun:

   • The action of speaking; engaging in speech: "talking" refers to the act of expressing thoughts, ideas, or feelings using spoken words. It involves verbal communication between people.
   • A conversation or discussion: "talking" can also refer to an instance of people conversing or exchanging ideas verbally.

2. Adjective (attributive):

   • Capable of speech: Used to describe something, typically an animal or a toy, that can produce speech-like sounds or words.
   • Expressive; seeming to communicate: Used to describe a non-verbal feature (like eyes) that is so expressive it seems to convey meaning as if speaking.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • I could hear the sound of talking coming from the next room.
  • All that talking has made my throat dry.
  • We need to have a serious talking about your future plans.

• Adjective:

  • My daughter loves her talking doll.
  • He has very talking eyes that seem to tell a story.

Advanced Usage

• "talking-to" (noun, informal): A scolding or reprimand.

  • The manager gave the employee a good talking-to for being late.

• "talking point": A subject or topic that is the focus of discussion or argument.

  • The new policy will be a major talking point at the meeting.

Variants and Related Words

• Talk (verb/noun): The base form. As a verb: to speak. As a noun: a conversation or lecture.
• Talkative (adjective): Fond of or given to talking a lot.
• Talker (noun): A person who talks, especially in a specified way (e.g., a fast talker).

Synonyms

• Speaking: The action of conveying information or expressing one's thoughts in speech.
• Chatting: Talking in a friendly and informal way.
• Conversing: Engaging in conversation.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Compounds

• Talk over: To discuss something thoroughly.
  • Let's talk over the details before we decide.
• Talk back: To reply to someone in a rude or defiant way.
  • The child was punished for talking back to his teacher.

Related Idioms

• "talking shop": Discussing matters related to one's work or profession, especially on a social occasion.
  • At the party, the doctors started talking shop, so I went to get a drink.
• "now you're talking" (informal): An expression of approval for a suggestion or idea that is finally agreeable.
  • "I'll buy you dinner to apologize." "Now you're talking!"

Noun

1. an exchange of ideas via conversation
   • let's have more work and less talk around here