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talk · verb I /tɔːk/Full view
Nouns: talk, talker, talks
Adjectives: talkative
Verbs: talk
talk (SAY)
A1 to say things to someone
Dictionary examples:

We were just talking about Simon's new girlfriend.

The teacher's always telling him to stop talking.

It was nice talking to/with you.

Learner example:

I like to talk with my friends and my teacher. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Polish)

talk (DISCUSS)
B2 to discuss something with someone, often to try to find a solution to a disagreement
Dictionary example:

The two sides have agreed to talk.

Learner example:

I decided to talk to him and try to solve the problem. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

talk (LECTURE)
B2 to give a lecture on a subject
Dictionary example:

The next speaker will be talking about endangered insects.

Learner example:

We think that the best topic you could talk about is your latest book, you could try to develop the subject, explain to the members how to become a writer, from where and how do you get your ideas, and the subjects of your book. (First Certificate in English; B2; Dutch)

talk business/politics, etc.
C1 to discuss a particular subject
Dictionary example:

I don't like to talk business over lunch.

Learner example:

[Do] not talk politics or sports with him (!) (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Greek)

know what you are talking about
C1 to understand a subject because of your experience
Dictionary example:

He doesn't know what he's talking about - he's never even been to Africa.

Learner example:

I beli[e]ve that you don't really know what you're talking about. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Swedish)

talk about sth/doing sth
C2 to think about or make plans to do something in the future
Dictionary example:

They're talking about building a new fire station downtown.

Learner example:

7 years ago they were talking about building another [apartment complex] in the park. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

talk sb into sth/doing sth
B2 to persuade someone to do something
Dictionary example:

She's managed to talk me into doing a ten-mile run on the weekend.

Learner example:

However, it was last summer when I was in Sicily and met Sven, who was a dive teacher, and it was he who talked me into this hobby. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

talk sb out of sth/doing sth
C to persuade someone not to do something
Dictionary example:

It's a ridiculous idea - I've tried to talk him out of it.

Learner example:

Hard as he tried, he seemed to be unable [to] talk his partner out of his silly conduct. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

talk over sth or talk sth over
B2 to discuss something with someone, often to find out their opinion or to get advice before making a decision
Dictionary example:

I'm going to talk it over with Marty before I do anything about it.

Learner example:

She is important to me because I can go to her when I have a problem and we will talk it over until we find a solution. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

talk sth through or talk through sth
C2 to discuss all the details of something, often before making a decision
Dictionary example:

I'm thinking of taking out a loan, but I need to talk it through with my accountant.

Learner example:

She is always there for me both as mother and as friend. Whenever I have a problem, whatever it may be, we sit down and talk it through and she tells [me] her point of view. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Swedish)

talk · noun /tɔːk/
Nouns: talk, talker, talks
Adjectives: talkative
Verbs: talk
talk (CONVERSATION)
B1 C a conversation between two people, often about a particular subject
Dictionary example:

He's going to have a talk with his parents and see what they think.

Learner example:

We had a talk and he told me about Bradley and what the band was like. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

talk (A SPEECH)
B2 C a speech made to a group of people about a particular subject
Dictionary examples:

He gave a talk about/on his visit to Bolivia.

I went to a few interesting talks.

talk (INFORMATION)
C2 U unofficial information that people are talking about
Dictionary examples:

I’ve heard talk of layoffs.

There's been a lot of talk about green issues lately.

Learner example:

It is also true that there has been a lot of talk about euthanasia. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

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