prate
UK[preɪt]US[preɪt]
v
To talk for a long time in a foolish or boring way, especially about unimportant things.
n
Foolish or trivial talk.
Etymology
The verb 'prate' entered Middle English from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German 'praten', meaning 'to talk, chatter'. This Germanic root is likely onomatopoeic in origin, imitating the sound of idle, rapid talk. It is related to other words for chatter or babble, such as the East Frisian 'prat' and the Swedish 'prata'. Over centuries, the word's meaning narrowed from general talk to specifically denote foolish, empty, or boastful talk, carrying a consistently pejorative connotation into modern English.
Analysis
The word 'prate' is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It is not productively formed from separable modern English morphemes.
Examples
He would prate on for hours about his minor achievements.
I have no time to listen to your idle prate.
She prated about the latest gossip, oblivious to our disinterest.