What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
babble
Example
The baby babbled happily as she played with her toys. [babble: verb]
Example
He babbled on and on about his day, but I couldn't understand a word he said. [babbled: past tense]
prattle
Example
The little girl prattled on about her favorite toys and imaginary friends. [prattle: verb]
Example
They engaged in mindless prattle about the weather, avoiding any serious topics. [prattling: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prattle is less commonly used than babble in everyday language. Babble is more frequently used when referring to the speech of babies or young children, while prattle is used less often and can apply to a wider range of ages.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between babble and prattle?
Both babble and prattle are informal words. They are more likely to be used in casual conversations or when talking about children's speech. In more formal contexts, it is better to use alternative words like 'talk' or 'speak'.