What does garrulousness mean?
Garrulousness is the quality of talking excessively, particularly when a speaker continues at length despite signs that a shorter response would be more appropriate. The word is often mildly critical: it can suggest not merely a person who has much to say, but one who says too much, speaks without sufficient restraint, or fills silence with unnecessary details. It is commonly used in formal discussion of interviews, public speaking, legal proceedings, literature, and social behaviour, although its presence usually conveys disapproval. The related adjective garrulous describes a talkative person, while the noun garrulousness names the habit or quality. Although the word can describe natural warmth or enthusiasm, its typical implication is that the speech is excessive or inappropriate to the circumstances. Garrulousness is therefore more pointed than general talkativeness and more directly concerned with the social or practical consequences of speaking freely.
nounThe quality of being excessively talkative, especially continuing to speak when brevity or silence would be more appropriate.
- Excessive talkativeness: the habit or quality of talking at length, especially more than is needed or appropriate.
"Her garrulousness turned a simple introduction into a lengthy account of her travels."
"At the interview, his garrulousness obscured the strength of his actual argument."
"The committee noted the witness's garrulousness but found his testimony consistent."
A regular plural is possible but uncommon; ordinary usage normally treats the noun as uncountable.
"The novel's humour depends on the contrast between one character's silence and another's garrulousness."
Garrulousness turns a brief answer into a guided tour of everything you know.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does garrulousness come from?
Garrulousness was formed in English from the adjective garrulous, which comes from Latin garrulus, meaning “chattering” or “talkative,” a word related to garrire, “to chatter.” Latin garrulitas, a related abstract noun, is also associated with the English borrowing garrulity. The modern English noun preserves the sense of talk that is excessive or noisy rather than merely plentiful.
How garrulousness is actually used
The term is formally neutral but often mildly disapproving, implying that someone's talk is excessive, indiscriminate, or poorly timed. It is normally used as an uncountable noun.
Easily confused with garrulousness
Garrulous is the adjective describing a talkative person, whereas garrulousness is the noun naming that quality or habit.