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

Thus, any interaction that adolescents have with the health care system, such as emergency room visits, can be an important touchpoint for engaging in these conversations. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

What were those lightbulb moments from client conversations and team wins? —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Neither of those subjects are the stuff of everyday conversation; both looked better than ever at their respective institutions. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 19 Dec. 2024

During a roughly 40-minute phone conversation (and one brief follow-up email exchange), the duo discussed everything from the current state of Marvel and Star Wars (including why The Acolyte was cancelled) to whether FX will continue to take risky bets like Shōgun in an era of cost-cutting. —Josef Adalian, Vulture, 19 Dec. 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