Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What does the word "prattle" indicate?

1. Serious conversation

2. Careful discussion

3. Meaningless sounds or babble

4. Thoughtful dialogue

The correct answer is: Meaningless sounds or babble

The term "prattle" refers to talking in a foolish or aimless way, often characterized by meaningless sounds or babbling. It suggests a lack of depth or significance in the conversation, where the speaker might be expressing thoughts that are trivial or not well-articulated. This aligns perfectly with the chosen answer, which highlights the essence of prattling as being devoid of meaningful content. In contrast, the other options involve forms of conversation that imply a certain level of seriousness, thoughtfulness, or care. Serious conversation and thoughtful dialogue suggest a deeper exchange of ideas, while careful discussion indicates a measured and deliberate manner of communicating. Each of these options stands in direct opposition to the idea encapsulated by "prattle," which is grounded in superficiality and lack of substance. Thus, the identification of "prattle" with meaningless sounds or babble accurately captures the core meaning of the word.