Talk at
preposition
To talk to someone without expecting or allowing them to respond or engage in the conversation.
You always talk at me and never let me express my own opinions.

Often appears as...
- talk at length
- talk at someone
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
preposition
To speak loudly and directly towards someone or something.
The protesters were talking at the government officials.

Often appears as...
- talk at the crowd
- talk at the television
preposition
To talk to someone without expecting or allowing them to respond or engage in the conversation.
You always talk at me and never let me express my own opinions.

Often appears as...
- talk at length
- talk at someone
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
preposition
To speak loudly and directly towards someone or something.
The protesters were talking at the government officials.

Often appears as...
- talk at the crowd
- talk at the television
Definition 1 of 2

One-way Communication
Using 'talk at' usually implies the speaker doesn't allow for a two-way conversation or response.

During the meeting, the boss just talked at us without taking any feedback.
Negative Connotation
'Talk at' often carries a negative feeling, suggesting the listener may feel ignored or undervalued.

I felt so frustrated when he just talked at me.
Not for Dialogue
Avoid 'talk at' if you want to indicate a positive, engaging conversation; it's not suitable for that.

She wouldn't talk with me, she only talked at me.
One-way Communication
Using 'talk at' usually implies the speaker doesn't allow for a two-way conversation or response.

During the meeting, the boss just talked at us without taking any feedback.
Negative Connotation
'Talk at' often carries a negative feeling, suggesting the listener may feel ignored or undervalued.

I felt so frustrated when he just talked at me.
Not for Dialogue
Avoid 'talk at' if you want to indicate a positive, engaging conversation; it's not suitable for that.

She wouldn't talk with me, she only talked at me.
One-way Communication
Using 'talk at' usually implies the speaker doesn't allow for a two-way conversation or response.

During the meeting, the boss just talked at us without taking any feedback.
Negative Connotation
'Talk at' often carries a negative feeling, suggesting the listener may feel ignored or undervalued.

I felt so frustrated when he just talked at me.
Not for Dialogue
Avoid 'talk at' if you want to indicate a positive, engaging conversation; it's not suitable for that.

She wouldn't talk with me, she only talked at me.
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