# talk

/ˈtɔk/ (US) · /tˈɔːk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/talk
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to speak

verb · CEFR A1

to say words to someone to share information or feelings.

For teachers: to communicate by means of spoken language. Intransitive, though often followed by 'to' or 'with'.

- We sat in the park and talked for hours about our summer plans.
- The diplomats talked for several hours behind closed doors, attempting to find common ground before the official summit began.

### 2. to discuss

verb · CEFR B1 · Informal

to discuss a specific topic.

For teachers: to discuss or deliberate upon a particular subject. Transitive in informal registers.

- Let's sit down and talk business over lunch.
- If we are going to talk strategy, we need to ensure that every department head is present to provide their input.

### 3. to confess

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang

to give information to the police or an enemy, often about other people.

For teachers: to reveal secret information or confess to a crime, typically under pressure or interrogation.

- The police were sure the suspect would talk once they showed him the evidence.
- Despite hours of intense questioning by the authorities, the witness refused to talk, fearing retaliation from the gang members.

### 4. a conversation

noun · CEFR A2

a conversation between two or more people, often about something important.

For teachers: an instance of spoken communication; a discussion or dialogue, often of a serious or purposeful nature.

- My boss wants to have a talk with me about my performance.
- After the incident, the principal had a long talk with the students involved to explain the consequences of their actions.

### 5. a lecture

noun · CEFR B1

a short speech or presentation given to a group of people.

For teachers: a formal or semi-formal presentation or lecture on a specific subject.

- The professor gave an interesting talk on the history of the city.
- The guest speaker delivered a fascinating talk regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on modern architectural design.

### 6. gossip

noun · CEFR B2

rumours or stories that people are telling about someone.

For teachers: informal social communication involving rumours, gossip, or speculation. Uncountable in this sense.

- There has been a lot of talk about the company closing down.
- Despite the official denials, there was persistent talk in the corridors about a major restructuring of the executive board.

### 7. empty words

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

promises or claims that someone makes but does not actually do.

For teachers: boastful or promising speech that lacks substance or is not backed by action.

- He says he will help us, but I think it is just talk.
- The politician's promises of reform proved to be mere talk once the election cycle had concluded and the budget was finalised.

## Examples

- She gives a talk on modern art.
- My parents want to have a talk with me about my plans for college.
- The historian's talk wove together disparate threads of economic and social change, offering a new perspective on the causes of the revolution.

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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.