talk

to speak / to converse / a conversation / a speech

Transitive VerbIntransitive Verb[C/U] Both

pl: talkspast: talkedpp: talkeding: talking

This word carries a sense of reciprocity and informality. It suggests a back-and-forth exchange of words rather than a one-way delivery of information. While speak is more formal and focused on the act of producing language, talk emphasizes the social connection and the interaction between participants.

In professional settings, a talk can shift from a casual chat to a structured presentation, but it still retains a feeling of accessibility. It avoids the rigidity of a lecture or the coldness of a report, implying a desire to engage the listener in a shared understanding.

Countable when referring to a specific conversation or a lecture (a talk). Uncountable when referring to the general act of speaking or rumors (much talk).

Meanings

Transitive Verbto speak

[~ someone]

To speak with someone to exchange ideas or information.

I need to talk to my boss about the raise.

Intransitive Verbto converse

[doing ~]

To engage in a conversation or a spoken exchange.

They talked for hours about their childhood.

Nouna conversation

A conversation or an informal discussion.

We had a long talk about our future.

Nouna speech

A formal speech delivered to an audience.

The professor gave a talk on quantum physics.

Phrasal Verbs

talk over

discuss a problem or plan thoroughly

We need to talk over the details of the contract before signing it.

talk into

persuade someone to do something

My friends managed to talk me into going to the party.

talk out of

persuade someone not to do something

I tried to talk her out of quitting her job so suddenly.

talk back

reply rudely to someone in authority

The teacher warned the student not to talk back in class.

talk through

explain something step by step

Let me talk you through the installation process.

Last Updated: July 6, 2026•Report an Error