A1 noun Informal #3,623 most common

chat

/tʃæt/

A friendly and informal conversation between two or more people. In technology, it refers to exchanging text messages in real-time through an app or the internet.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I had a quick chat with my friend on the phone today.

I had a brief, informal conversation with my friend on the phone today.

2

The manager requested a chat regarding the upcoming schedule.

The manager asked for a brief meeting to talk about the upcoming schedule.

3

Do you want to have a chat later tonight?

Would you like to talk informally later this evening?

Word Family

Noun
chat
Verb
chat
Adverb
chattily
Adjective
chatty
Related
chatter
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'CH' in CHat as 'CHannel' for talking.

Quick Quiz

I am sending a message to my friends in our group ___.

Correct!

The correct answer is: chat

Examples

1

I had a quick chat with my friend on the phone today.

everyday

I had a brief, informal conversation with my friend on the phone today.

2

The manager requested a chat regarding the upcoming schedule.

formal

The manager asked for a brief meeting to talk about the upcoming schedule.

3

Do you want to have a chat later tonight?

informal

Would you like to talk informally later this evening?

4

The researchers monitored the online chat for language patterns.

academic

The scientists observed the digital text conversation for language patterns.

5

Let's have a quick chat about the sales figures in my office.

business

Let us talk briefly about the sales numbers in my office.

Word Family

Noun
chat
Verb
chat
Adverb
chattily
Adjective
chatty
Related
chatter

Common Collocations

quick chat a short conversation
online chat messaging on the internet
video chat talking via camera
group chat a conversation with many people
friendly chat a kind and nice talk

Common Phrases

have a chat

to talk with someone

chat room

an online space for talking

nice chat

a pleasant conversation

Often Confused With

chat vs chart

A 'chart' is a diagram or map, while a 'chat' is a conversation.

chat vs cheat

To 'cheat' is to be dishonest, whereas 'chat' is just talking.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'chat' when the conversation is relaxed and not very serious. In a digital context, it specifically means sending text messages back and forth instantly.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'chat' for very important or formal business negotiations, where 'meeting' or 'discussion' is more appropriate.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'CH' in CHat as 'CHannel' for talking.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle English word 'chateren', which was meant to mimic the sound of birds chirping or quick talking.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: 'a chat' or 'chats'. Commonly used with the verb 'have' (e.g., have a chat).
🌍

Cultural Context

In many modern cultures, 'group chats' on apps like WhatsApp or Messenger are the primary way social circles communicate.

Quick Quiz

I am sending a message to my friends in our group ___.

Correct!

The correct answer is: chat

More Technology words

laptop

A1

A laptop is a portable personal computer that is small and light enough to be used on a person's lap. It combines a screen, keyboard, and processor into one battery-powered unit that you can carry easily.

screen

A1

A screen is the flat surface on an electronic device, such as a television, computer, or smartphone, where images and information are displayed. It is the part of the hardware that the user looks at to interact with the device.

keyboard

A1

A keyboard is an input device consisting of a set of keys that you press to type letters, numbers, and symbols into a computer. It is also a musical instrument that looks like a piano and produces electronic sounds.

mouse

A1

A small device that you move with your hand to control the cursor on a computer screen. It allows users to select, click, and drag items by pressing buttons on its surface.

headphones

A1

Headphones are a pair of small speakers that you wear over or inside your ears to listen to music or sound without other people hearing it. They are commonly used with phones, computers, and music players.

speaker

A1

A speaker is an electronic device that converts electrical signals into audible sound. It is used to listen to music, voices, or other sounds from computers, phones, or home entertainment systems.

website

A1

A website is a collection of connected pages on the internet that contains information about a person, company, or subject. You use a web browser like Chrome or Safari to visit a website and read its content.

search

A1

A search is the act of looking for something or someone carefully. In technology, it refers to using a computer program or website to find specific information or files.

download

A1

A computer file that has been moved from the internet or a larger system to a smaller device like a computer or phone. It can also refer to the process of transferring this data from one place to another.

click

A1

A click is the short, sharp sound made when a computer mouse button is pressed. It also refers to the physical action of pressing a button on a digital device to select or activate something on a screen.

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