# talk to oneself

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/talk-to-oneself
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To say one's thoughts aloud, particularly while also not conversing with anyone else.

## Examples

- I often talk to myself when I am cooking dinner.
- She did not realize she was talking to herself until the person at the next table looked over.
- Lost in deep contemplation, the professor paced the library floor, unconsciously talking to himself as he worked through the complex equation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.