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

He said the park was introducing "clear, practical measures" to reduce wildfire risk and said the summit was an opportunity for "critical conversations" on mitigation and management.

Read more on BBC

Once the victims were on the hook, he said, he passed the target on to a more specialised scammer who would continue the conversation.

Read more on Barron's

Entering this series, much of the conversation centered on Ohtani, who was one for 18 with nine strikeouts in the previous round against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But six seven has more entry points into actual conversations between teachers and students.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I wouldn’t be surprised to see more real conversation going on, and perhaps bridging a gap between the two sides and seeing cultural progress,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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