chat
chat
Pronunciation
chat: /tʃæt/
[tʃ] - "ch" sound, as in "church"
[æ] - "a" sound, as in "cat"
[t] - "t" sound, as in "top"
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: chat
Plural Noun: chats
Present Tense Verb (base form): chat
Present Tense Verb (third-person singular): chats
Present Participle/Gerund: chatting
Past Tense Verb: chatted
Past Participle: chatted
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: An informal, friendly, or lighthearted conversation, often about casual or everyday topics.
Synonyms: conversation, talk, discussion, natter, banter, gossip
Antonyms: silence, monologue, lecture, debate
Definition 2: (Informal, often internet-related) A platform or forum where people can engage in real-time text-based conversations.
Synonyms: chatroom, forum, messenger, direct message
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific usage, as it refers to a platform)
Verb
Definition 1: To engage in an informal, friendly, or lighthearted conversation.
Synonyms: talk, converse, speak, gab, gossip, banter
Antonyms: be silent, be quiet, lecture, debate
Definition 2: (Informal, often internet-related) To communicate with someone in real-time using a text-based platform.
Synonyms: message, text, instant message, direct message
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific usage)
Examples of Use
Books:
"They settled into a comfortable chat about their childhood memories, the conversation flowing easily between them." (From The Midnight Library by Matt Haig)
"She found herself drawn into a deep chat with an elderly woman on the park bench, discussing everything from local politics to the merits of different tea blends."
Newspapers:
"The two leaders engaged in a brief chat on the sidelines of the summit, discussing bilateral trade agreements." (From The New York Times)
"Readers are encouraged to join the live chat session with the author following the book review." (From The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"Our tech editor will host a live Q&A chat next Tuesday to answer your questions about the new smartphone." (From The Verge)
"I always enjoy a quick chat with my colleagues over Slack before diving into the day's tasks." (From a corporate blog post)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Show: "The hosts of the morning show often engage in lighthearted chat with their celebrity guests before moving on to more serious topics." (Observed on a daytime talk show, general broadcast)
Video Game: "Players can use the in-game chat function to coordinate strategies or simply socialize with fellow gamers." (Common feature in online multiplayer games, e.g., Fortnite, continuously since 2017)
Podcast: "In this episode, we have a fascinating chat with a renowned historian about the untold stories of ancient civilizations." (Heard on a historical podcast, e.g., Hardcore History, various episodes)
Social Media: "I had a great chat with an old friend on Instagram DMs last night, catching up after years." (Common usage on platforms like Instagram or Facebook Messenger)
General Public Discourse:
"Let's have a quick chat after the meeting to go over the final details." (Common workplace phrase)
"I ran into my neighbor at the grocery store and we had a pleasant chat about our gardens." (Everyday conversational use)
"The customer service representative offered to continue our discussion via online chat for quicker assistance." (Heard in a customer service
10 Quotes Using Chat
"Let's not chat, let's act." (Hillary Clinton, May 2015)
"The best way to know a city is to chat with its locals." (Rick Steves, various travel shows and books)
"I love to chat with people who are passionate about what they do." (Oprah Winfrey, various interviews)
"We don't need to chat about it; we need to do it." (Barack Obama, October 2012)
"I always enjoy a good chat with my fans." (Taylor Swift, various interviews)
"A quick chat can often resolve a misunderstanding." (Dalai Lama, general teachings)
"Sometimes, all you need is a good chat with a friend." (Jennifer Aniston, various interviews)
"Don't just chat about your dreams, work for them." (Unknown, widely circulated motivational quote)
"I prefer a real chat over a thousand texts." (Emma Watson, various interviews)
"Let's have a chat and see where we stand." (Donald Trump, various press conferences)
Etymology
The word "chat" as we know it, meaning an informal conversation, is a shortened version of the word "chatter."
The earliest known use of "chat" as a verb (to talk idly or babble) can be traced back to the Middle English period (before 1450), appearing in texts like the York Plays. It was basically a quicker way to say "chatter," which came from older words that sounded like the quick, high-pitched noises birds make.
The meaning of "chat" expanding to "converse familiarly" (our common understanding today) started around the 1550s.
As for the noun "chat" (an informal conversation), its earliest known use is slightly later, around the early 1500s, with evidence from around 1518 in the writings of poet Alexander Barclay. It developed its meaning directly from the verb "chat."
So, in simple terms, "chat" evolved from sounds, then became a word for "babbling," and finally settled into its current meaning of friendly, informal talk.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Chat
Have a quick chat: To have a short, informal conversation.
A good old chat: A comfortable and often lengthy informal conversation.
Chat away: To talk continuously and often animatedly.
Chat up: To talk to someone in a friendly way, often with the intention of gaining a favor or starting a romantic relationship.
Chat show: A television or radio program featuring informal interviews with celebrities or public figures.
Chat room: An online platform where people can communicate in real-time by typing messages.
Chat line: A telephone service where people can talk to strangers.
Table talk: Informal conversation that takes place during a meal (using "talk" as a synonym for "chat").
Loose lips sink ships: An idiom warning that careless talk (chatting) can have serious consequences.
Shoot the breeze: To have a casual, unhurried conversation (an idiom meaning to chat).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of chat from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
