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Definition of prate - 3 dictionary results

prate

  [preyt] verb, prat⋅ed, prat⋅ing, noun
Use prate in a Sentence
–verb (used without object)
1. to talk excessively and pointlessly; babble: They prated on until I was ready to scream.
–verb (used with object)
2. to utter in empty or foolish talk: to prate absurdities with the greatest seriousness.
–noun
3. act of prating.
4. empty or foolish talk.
Origin:
1375–1425; late ME praten (v.) < MD praeten. See prattle

Related forms:
prater, noun
prat⋅ing⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To prate
prate   (prāt)   
v.   prat·ed, prat·ing, prates

v.   intr.
To talk idly and at length; chatter.
v.   tr.
To utter idly or to little purpose.
n.  Empty, foolish, or trivial talk; idle chatter.

[Middle English praten, from Middle Dutch prāten.]
prat'er n., prat'ing·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

prate 
c.1420, from M.Du. praten "to prate" (c.1400), from a W.Gmc. imitative root (cf. M.L.G. praten, M.H.G. braten, Swed. prata "to talk, chatter").
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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