Question

read the following dictionary entry.

chat · ter \chat-er\\

1. (v.) to talk rapidly without making sense
2. (n.) to make speech-like sounds, as certain animals do
3. (n.) meaningless or ridiculous talk
4. (n.) a series of ridges on the surface of metal

which sentence best uses the word \chatter\ with the definition \to make speech-like sounds, as certain animals do\?

which sentence best uses the word \chatter\ with the definition \to make speech-like sounds, as certain animals do\?

• the faster you speak, the more you are beginning to chatter.
• andre ran his fingers across the uneven lines of chatter.
• im sure once they get their food, the monkeys will start to chatter.
• she wanted to understand them, but their words were nothing but chatter.

Explanation:

Analyze the target definition

The target definition is: "to make speech-like sounds, as certain animals do" (Definition 2, verb).

Evaluate each sentence option

• Option 1: "The faster you speak, the more you are beginning to chatter." This uses "chatter" to mean talking rapidly without making sense (Definition 1).
• Option 2: "Andre ran his fingers across the uneven lines of chatter." This uses "chatter" to mean a series of ridges on the surface of metal (Definition 4).
• Option 3: "I'm sure once they get their food, the monkeys will start to chatter." This refers to monkeys (animals) making speech-like sounds, which perfectly matches Definition 2.
• Option 4: "She wanted to understand them, but their words were nothing but chatter." This uses "chatter" to mean meaningless or ridiculous talk (Definition 3).

Identify the correct option

The third option correctly applies the definition to animal sounds (monkeys).

Answer:

• The faster you speak, the more you are beginning to chatter.
• Andre ran his fingers across the uneven lines of chatter.
• I'm sure once they get their food, the monkeys will start to chatter. (Correct answer)
• She wanted to understand them, but their words were nothing but chatter.