Definition of talk at

The phrase "talk at" stands for speaking in a way that does not involve two-way communication. It refers to delivering a monologue or a one-sided speech without regard to audience participation or feedback. Although the origin of the expression "talk at" is not fully clear, it is believed that it derives from the literal meaning of the words "talk" and "at." In the mid-15th century, the word "talk" meant "speak" as well as "stay, tarry" or "strike" in some dialects. The adverbial preposition "at" signified a direction or place, such as "directed towards" or "in the vicinity of." By the late 16th century, the expression "talk at" had emerged as a figurative phrase, as "talking at" someone could now convey both aspects of the words, i.e., speaking persistently while facing the audience. The consolidation of the "talk at" meaning can be seen in examples such as "He talked at the meeting for two hours straight." The verb "to talk" is still used metaphorically as a synonym for "debate," "discuss," or "argue," but the meaning has evolved to imply delivering speeches and lectures without prospect of interaction. Ultimately, the idiom "talk at" indicates that discourse should be balanced and inclusive, with genuine communication and engagement between speakers and listeners.