Meaning of palaver in English

1. Pronunciation

   /pəˈlævər/

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   UK accent

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1. Verb

   palaver

   Definitions

   1. speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly
2. 2. influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering

   Examples

   • « He palavered her into going along »
3. 3. have a lengthy discussion, usually between people of different backgrounds

4. Noun

   palaver

   Etymology

   mid 18th century (in the sense ‘a talk between tribespeople and traders’): from Portuguese palavra‘word’, from Latin parabola‘comparison’ (see parable)

   Definitions

   1. flattery intended to persuade
5. 2. loud and confused and empty talk

   Examples

   • « mere rhetoric »