The phrasal verb "drone on" is predominantly used in informal speech to describe speaking at length about a dull or monotone topic. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the speaker is uninteresting or tedious. This expression is frequently used in contexts where someone is perceived as talking without engaging the audience or failing to get to the point, such as in meetings, lectures, or any situation where one might feel bored by prolonged speech. While "drone on" effectively conveys the speaker's tediousness in casual conversations and informal writing, it is generally avoided in formal settings or professional documents, where more neutral or specific language would be preferred. The imagery conjured by "drone" likens the speaker's voice to a dull, continuous noise, further emphasizing the monotony of the speech.
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To speak for a long period in a dull and boring manner, often about something trivial.
The professor droned on for hours about topics that did not interest students.
As the meeting continued, he droned on about the company's history, losing the attention of the team.
She droned on about her travel experiences, not noticing that everyone else had tuned out.
During the presentation, he droned on about details that weren’t relevant to the main topic.
He droned on endlessly, unaware that most people had stopped paying attention.