conversation

noun

con·​ver·​sa·​tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən 

1

a(1)

: oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas

… we had talk enough but no conversation; there was nothing discussed.

—Samuel Johnson

(2)

: an instance of such exchange : talk

a quiet conversation

b

: an informal discussion of an issue by representatives of governments, institutions, or groups

conversations among the senators

c

: an exchange similar to conversation

We had a conversation by email.

2

obsolete : conduct, behavior

conversational

ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

conversationally adverb

Synonyms

• chat
• colloquy
• converse
• dialogue
• dialog
• discourse
• discussion
• exchange

Examples of conversation in a Sentence

Do you remember our conversation about that new movie?

We got into a long conversation about his behavior.

They were engaged in a lengthy conversation about politics.

The topic came up in conversation.

They were so deep in conversation that they barely noticed me.

He kept trying to engage me in conversation.

She's skilled in the art of conversation.

an interesting topic of conversation

We had a conversation by e-mail.

Recent Examples on the Web

At that point, there was no telling what the conversation was all about. —Vincent Frank, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

Referencing conversations with hospital administrators, Jones said there are concerns about ensuring facilities are reimbursed for Medicaid. —Alex Thomas, arkansasonline.com, 8 Oct. 2024

To find another artist who wants to remove their ego from the conversation and put on the best show possible is rare. —Stephen Daw, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2024

Once a larger conversation has been started, some communities consider writing ordinances to address nighttime lighting or starting their own dark sky preservation group. —Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English conversacioun, from Anglo-French conversacion, from Latin conversation-, conversatio, from conversari to associate with, frequentative of convertere to turn around

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing conversation

• carry on a conversation
• conversation piece
• criminal conversation
• hold a quiet conversation
• make conversation
• strike up a conversation

Kids Definition

conversation

noun

con·​ver·​sa·​tion ˌkän-vər-ˈsā-shən 

: talking or a talk between two or more people

conversational

-ˈsā-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

conversationally

-ē

adverb