View synonyms for palaver

palaver

[ puh-lav-er, ‑-lah-ver ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a conference or discussion.
a parley or conference between European traders, explorers, colonial officials, etc., and people indigenous to a region, especially in West Africa.
profuse and idle talk; chatter.
persuasive talk; flattery; cajolery:

verb (used without object)

, pa·lav·ered, pa·lav·er·ing.

to talk profusely and idly.
to parley or confer.

verb (used with object)

, pa·lav·ered, pa·lav·er·ing.

to cajole or persuade.

palaver

/ pəˈlɑːvə /

noun

tedious or time-consuming business, esp when of a formal nature
all the palaver of filling in forms
loud and confused talk and activity; hubbub
(often used humorously) a conference
rare.
talk intended to flatter or persuade
1. an argument
2. trouble arising from an argument

verb

intr (often used humorously) to have a conference
intr to talk loudly and confusedly
tr to flatter or cajole

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Other Words From

pa·lav·er·er pa·lav·er·ist noun
pa·lav·er·ment noun
pa·lav·er·ous adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of palaver¹

First recorded in 1710–20; noun from Portuguese palavra “word, speech, talk,” from Late Latin parabola parable; verb derivative of the noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of palaver¹

C18: from Portuguese palavra talk, from Latin parabola parable

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Example Sentences

He seemed at first much pleased of the situation, but after examining the captives closely he called a palaver.

From The Daily Beast

With North Korea, the palaver is mostly about hoping and waiting.

From The Daily Beast

Barton summoned us to a meeting, one night, and we held a long palaver over the situation.

From Project Gutenberg

"Ah, yes, I understand your smooth palaver," the bridegroom growled between his teeth.

From Project Gutenberg

Think I want to hang around and palaver with a set of pirates that'd stick a gun in my face and tell me where I git off?

From Project Gutenberg

Ko-boru was all for a long and impressive palaver, but recognized a certain absence of encouragement in the Commissioner's tone.

From Project Gutenberg

"That is a Government palaver," smiled Sanders, and that was all the satisfaction Ferguson received.

From Project Gutenberg

Word of the Day

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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