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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

foretalk en · NOUN

Etymology

From fore- + talk.

Meanings

  1. (uncountable) A foreword; preface.
    • But before reading the poems, we look at the preface — it is rude to skip the preface, the little, private, confidential foretalk the author wishes to have with the reader […] 1872, Mary T. Tardy, The living female writers of the South:
  2. (uncountable) Small talk used prior to more meaningful conversation.
    • He goes on, "The most feminine error during the period of foretalk is to subject her partner to withering cross-examination." 1970, Medical aspects of human sexuality:
    • In determining whether the male is ready for conversation, the woman should not hesitate to employ the delicate techniques of foretalk. 1976, Bryan Holme, The Journal of the century, Viking Press:

Synonyms

pleasantries (small talk) · foretale