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

Join the conversation in our Facebook community, Retire Better with MarketWatch.

Read more on MarketWatch

For a while we had fun, slipping into an easy rhythm, having thought-provoking conversations and sharing things about our upbringing that affect us today and ways to break cycles.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"We had had a couple of conversations and I kept thinking I could do Square Gogh in his style," he said.

Read more on BBC

"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

Related Words

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