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View synonyms for palaver

palaver

[ puh-lav-er, ‑-lah-ver ]

noun

  1. a conference or discussion.
  2. a parley or conference between European traders, explorers, colonial officials, etc., and people indigenous to a region, especially in West Africa.
  3. profuse and idle talk; chatter.
  4. persuasive talk; flattery; cajolery:


verb (used without object)

, pa·lav·ered, pa·lav·er·ing.
  1. to talk profusely and idly.
  2. to parley or confer.

verb (used with object)

, pa·lav·ered, pa·lav·er·ing.
  1. to cajole or persuade.

palaver

/ pəˈlɑːvə /

noun

  1. tedious or time-consuming business, esp when of a formal nature

    all the palaver of filling in forms

  2. loud and confused talk and activity; hubbub
  3. (often used humorously) a conference
  4. rare.
    talk intended to flatter or persuade
    1. an argument
    2. trouble arising from an argument
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


verb

  1. intr (often used humorously) to have a conference
  2. intr to talk loudly and confusedly
  3. tr to flatter or cajole
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Words From

  • pa·lav·er·er pa·lav·er·ist noun
  • pa·lav·er·ment noun
  • pa·lav·er·ous adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of palaver1

First recorded in 1710–20; noun from Portuguese palavra “word, speech, talk,” from Late Latin parabola parable; verb derivative of the noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of palaver1

C18: from Portuguese palavra talk, from Latin parabola parable
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Example Sentences

That the palaver was enough to promptly warrant Congressional hearings is testament to just how removed the investing public is from today’s market mechanics.

From Quartz

He seemed at first much pleased of the situation, but after examining the captives closely he called a palaver.

With North Korea, the palaver is mostly about hoping and waiting.

Barton summoned us to a meeting, one night, and we held a long palaver over the situation.

"Ah, yes, I understand your smooth palaver," the bridegroom growled between his teeth.

Think I want to hang around and palaver with a set of pirates that'd stick a gun in my face and tell me where I git off?

Ko-boru was all for a long and impressive palaver, but recognized a certain absence of encouragement in the Commissioner's tone.

"That is a Government palaver," smiled Sanders, and that was all the satisfaction Ferguson received.

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