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drivel

noun

/ˈdrɪv əl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of drivel

Nonsensical or foolish talk, writing, or ideas.
"I couldn't bear to listen to another minute of his nonsensical drivel."

Detailed meaning of drivel

It represents a form of communication that lacks substance, coherence, or intellectual value. When someone engages in drivel, they often express trivial or pointless thoughts that contribute little to meaningful conversations or discussions. Drivel can manifest in various forms, such as rambling speeches, incoherent writings, or mindless babble. It typically demonstrates a lack of thoughtfulness, logical reasoning, or factual accuracy. Recognizing drivel is important in distinguishing substantive information from meaningless chatter, enabling individuals to focus on more meaningful exchanges and ideas.

Example sentences containing drivel

1. His constant drivel during the meeting made it difficult to stay focused.
2. The article was filled with mindless drivel, lacking any substantial information.
3. It's frustrating when people engage in meaningless drivel instead of addressing the actual problem.
4. She dismissed his arguments as mere drivel, devoid of any logical reasoning.
5. The speaker's presentation started well but quickly devolved into a stream of drivel.
6. I tried to engage in an intellectual discussion, but all I got in response was a series of drivel.

History and etymology of drivel

The noun 'drivel' has an etymology that connects it to Old English and Middle English. It is derived from the Old English word 'dreflian,' which meant 'to slobber' or 'to slaver.' This Old English term evolved into the Middle English word 'drevel,' which referred to saliva or drool. Over time, the meaning of 'drevel' shifted from physical drool to nonsensical or foolish talk, writing, or ideas, suggesting a kind of verbal or intellectual slobbering. This transition reflects how 'drivel' came to describe speech or content that lacks coherence or meaningful content, akin to the aimless and incoherent nature of saliva dribbling from the mouth. The word 'drivel' is now commonly used to dismiss or criticize speech or writing that is considered nonsensical or devoid of value.

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Further usage examples of drivel

1. The book's second half was disappointing, as it seemed to be filled with irrelevant drivel.
2. He had a tendency to go off on tangents and fill his speeches with drivel.
3. The internet is filled with an overwhelming amount of drivel, making it hard to find reliable information.
4. It's important to filter out the drivel and focus on substantive content when conducting research.
5. I didn't have the patience to entertain his drivel, so I excused myself from the conversation.
6. His drivel about conspiracy theories left us all bewildered and uninterested.
7. I can't stand listening to his endless drivel about his new diet.
8. The meeting was a waste of time, filled with pointless drivel.
9. She dismissed his drivel and focused on more meaningful discussions.
10. His drivel on social media only adds to the noise of the internet.
11. I refuse to engage in mindless drivel; I prefer intelligent conversations.
12. The lecture was filled with academic drivel, leaving students bored.
13. I had to endure hours of mind-numbing drivel at the seminar.
14. Instead of offering solutions, he resorted to political drivel.
15. We need to filter out the drivel and focus on actionable ideas.
16. I cringe every time he starts his nonsensical drivel.
17. The book was a disappointment, filled with literary drivel.
18. Avoid the drivel of gossip; it only leads to misunderstandings.
19. Let's not waste time on his baseless drivel; it's unproductive.
20. I yearn for meaningful conversations, not mindless drivel.
21. Her drivel on the paranormal is entertaining but lacks substance.
22. The debate devolved into political drivel rather than substantive issues.
23. We must sift through the drivel to find valuable insights.
24. Don't be fooled by his charming demeanor; his words are often drivel.