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May 6, 2022

Prate / verb / prat

To “prate” is to talk blather on or chatter without making sense to whoever is listening. We use the word “prate” as an intransitive verb that represents a long, drawn-out speech or relentless chatter. The word “prate” is a rarely used word used when someone wants to reference foolish or nonsensical chatter. In the English language, we find “prate” used in verses of the bible. We also find its use in American culture in a popular speech made by Franklin D. Roosevelt.

In a Sentence

The politician prated about lowering taxes for the middle class during his speech.

She prated on and on about her unpleasant shopping experience earlier that afternoon.

I like TED Talks that don’t prate about unrelated topics to the subject‌ being discussed.

Etymology

We find the first recorded use of the word “prate” in Middle English, Middle Dutch, and Middle Low German around the early 15th century. Etymologists say we derived the original meaning of the word from the word “pratten” meaning ‘to pout.’ The meaning of the word hasn’t changed since its inception. “Prate” has always described meaningless and ongoing chatter or blabber.

Synonym

Babble, Prattle

Antonym

Quiet, Silence

5 Comments

  1. Colleen

    I frequently here people prattle on about nothing. My grandmother used the word frequently. “What are you prattling on about.”

    Reply
  2. Ana

    The Brits use this word , but its not a nice word in their culture , check it out

    Reply
  3. Linda

    The background on the Daily Quiz is so bad, I wonder why those responsible for the design should be fired. It is like where’s Waldo to decipher the message.

    Reply
  4. Dicie Patterson

    Prate; is a form of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome exhibited when the speaker is trying to share as much information as one can without an outline. Any information shared in a Prate; which is easily mocked shrugged off; however is shared more than a conventional speech and is recalled faster because a prate has more triggers.. when prate information is delivered in acceptable environments by creditable sources depending on the importance of subject matter dismissal can be not so quick.

    Reply
  5. jerry r watson

    I immensely enjoyed.

    Reply

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