Talk past Meaning in English
expression
Definition
If people talk past each other, they each say their own ideas without really listening or responding to what the other is saying, so they do not actually communicate clearly.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in discussions or debates when people have different perspectives or misunderstand each other's main point. Common in formal and informal English. Often appears as 'talk past each other'. Not the same as simply ignoring someone; it's more about misunderstanding.
Example Sentences
Sometimes, people talk past each other in meetings and nothing gets solved.
basic
They just talk past each other instead of listening.
basic
It is hard to agree when we talk past each other.
basic
I think we’re just talking past each other here. Let’s start over.
natural
During the debate, both candidates kept talking past each other and the audience got confused.
natural
We spent an hour talking past each other, but eventually found common ground.
natural