conversation

[kon-ver-sey-shuhn]

noun

1. 1. informal interchange of thoughts, information, etc., by spoken words; oral communication between persons; talk.

      how to master the art of conversation.

   2. such interchange by sign language, email, or other nonoral means of communication.

      I enjoy our time on the phone, but she prefers conversation by texting.

   3. an instance of this.

      I had a long phone conversation with my cousin in Florida.

   Synonyms: colloquy, chat, dialogue

2. an informal public exchange of ideas or opinions about a particular issue; a dialogue.

   It’s time for a global conversation about the epidemic.

3. association or social intercourse.

   a year's conversation with him as his caregiver and friend.

4. criminal conversation.

5. the ability to talk socially with others.

   She writes well but has no conversation.

6. Obsolete.

   1. behavior or manner of living.

   2. close familiarity; intimate acquaintance, as from constant use or study.

conversation

/ ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃən /

noun

1. the interchange through speech of information, ideas, etc; spoken communication

2. to talk in an artificial way

Other Word Forms

• preconversation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conversation¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English conversacio(u)n, from Latin conversātiōn- (stem of conversātiō ) “familiarity, conduct, behavior,” equivalent to conversāt(us), past participle of conversārī “to associate with” + -iōn- noun suffix; converse ¹, -ion

Idioms and Phrases

• make conversation

Example Sentences

"I hope the data will spark a lot of conversations, including how towns could develop in future."

Read more on BBC

The couple said they want to see federal AI regulation that promotes innovation, defends systems from misuse and protects “the privacy of conversations with AI.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Early in their careers, the constant yelling of buy and sell orders as well as colleagues’ conversations about baseball, summer trips to the Hamptons and Ivy League undergraduate experiences were all a culture clash.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

So we said: We have to have a more direct conversation with men.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"We need to respect that they're focused on other things at the moment but as soon as we can get into deeper conversations, we'll be looking to do that."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• chat 
• comment 
• communication 
• conference 
• consultation 
• debate 
• discussion 
• exchange 
• gossip 
• hearing 
• observation 
• questioning 
• remark 
• speech 
• talk 
• visit