conversation
conversation
Pronunciation
/ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃən/.
con-
/k/ - voiceless velar stop
/ɒ/ - open back rounded vowel
/n/ - alveolar nasal
-ver-
/v/ - voiced labiodental fricative
/ə/ - schwa (mid-central vowel)
-sa-
/s/ - voiceless alveolar fricative
/eɪ/ - diphthong (starts like /e/, moves towards /ɪ/)
-tion
/ʃ/ - voiceless postalveolar fricative
/ən/ - syllabic /n/ (schwa followed by alveolar nasal, often perceived as a single sound)
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: conversation
Example: We had a long conversation.
Plural Noun: conversations
Example: They had many interesting conversations.
While "conversation" itself is a noun, it also has related word forms that belong to the same "word family":
Adjective: conversational
Example: He has a very conversational style of writing.
Adverb: conversationally
Example: She spoke conversationally, putting everyone at ease.
Noun (person): conversationalist
Example: He's a lively conversationalist.
Less common or archaic forms related to the root "converse" (from which "conversation" is derived) include:
Verb: converse (to engage in conversation)
Example: They often converse late into the night.
Adjective/Noun: conversant (familiar with or knowledgeable about something; or, less commonly, a person familiar with something)
Example: She is highly conversant in classical literature.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Conversation (singular)
Definition: An informal exchange of thoughts, ideas, or feelings between two or more individuals, typically through spoken words, often with an emphasis on mutual understanding and connection rather than formal debate.
Synonyms: dialogue, chat, discussion, talk, discourse, parley, confabulation, tête-à-tête
Antonyms: monologue, lecture, silence, soliloquy, pronouncement, decree
Conversations (plural)
Definition: Multiple instances of informal spoken exchanges between individuals, or a series of such exchanges, often implying ongoing communication or a collection of discussions.
Synonyms: discussions, talks, chats, dialogues, exchanges, parleys
Antonyms: silences, monologues, quiet periods, speeches
Conversationalist
Definition: A person who is skilled at or enjoys engaging in conversation, often characterized by their ability to keep a discussion interesting, engaging, and flowing.
Synonyms: talker, communicator, raconteur, chatterer, debater, socializer
Antonyms: listener, quiet person, introvert, monologuer, reserved individual
Verb
Converse
Definition: To engage in a spoken exchange of ideas, thoughts, or feelings with another person or people; to talk informally.
Synonyms: talk, chat, discuss, communicate, discourse, confabulate, engage (in talk)
Antonyms: listen, stay silent, monologue, lecture, ignore
Adjective
Conversational
Definition: Relating to or characteristic of ordinary spoken language; informal and easy to understand, as if part of a casual discussion.
Synonyms: informal, casual, colloquial, chatty, easygoing, familiar, natural
Antonyms: formal, stiff, academic, technical, complex, scholarly, rigid
Conversant
Definition: Knowledgeable about or familiar with a particular subject, person, or skill, often gained through experience or study.
Synonyms: familiar, knowledgeable, acquainted, versed, proficient, skilled, abreast, au courant
Antonyms: unfamiliar, ignorant, unacquainted, novice, unaware, unversed, inexperienced
Adverb
Conversationally
Definition: In a manner that is characteristic of or suitable for conversation; in an informal or easy-to-understand way.
Synonyms: informally, casually, colloquially, chatty, naturally, frankly, openly
Antonyms: formally, stiffly, academically, technically, elaborately, rigidly
Examples of Use
1. Books
"‘Are you conversing with me?’ ‘Yes, I am, my dear,’ said Mrs. Bennet, who had been talking to her for about a quarter of an hour without receiving any answer." (Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice)
"The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said." (Peter Drucker, often quoted in business management books related to the art of conversational leadership).
"He spent hours in deep conversation with his mentor, dissecting the intricacies of astrophysics." (Fictional example, typical of many non-fiction and literary works).
2. Newspapers
"Local residents engaged in a heated conversation with city officials regarding the proposed zoning changes at yesterday's town hall meeting." (The Daily Nation).
"The President emphasized the need for a national conversation on climate change, urging all stakeholders to participate." (The New York Times).
"Our columnist is highly conversant with the complex economic policies currently being debated in Parliament." (The Standard).
3. Online Publications
"How to Have Better Conversations: 9 Tips to Engage Anyone." (Headline from a self-improvement blog, e.g., Lifehack.org or Psychology Today).
"The rise of AI has sparked a global conversation about the future of work and human creativity." (Wired.com).
"Join the conversation on Twitter using #TechTrends2025 as experts converse live on our forum." (TechCrunch.com).
4. Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Television Series (Drama): "That was one of the most difficult conversations I've ever had," a character might say after a tense family discussion. (Succession, HBO).
Podcast (Interview): "In this episode, we converse with Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading expert in neuroscience, about the latest breakthroughs." (The Joe Rogan Experience, or similar interview podcast).
Film (Romantic Comedy): "Their first date was awkward, but by the end, they were deep in conversation, laughing for hours." (Before Sunrise, or similar dialogue-driven film).
Video Game (RPG): "Choose your dialogue option carefully; your conversation choices will impact the story's outcome." (On-screen prompt in games like Mass Effect or The Witcher).
Music (Lyrics): "And the conversation started getting good, when you said, 'I love you, too.'" (Lyrics from a popular song, often used to depict a pivotal moment in a relationship).
5. General Public Discourse
"Let's grab coffee and just have a casual conversation about it." (Common phrase among friends planning to discuss something informally).
"There's a lot of conversation happening online about the upcoming elections." (Heard in casual political discussions).
"I really enjoy his company; he's such a good conversationalist." (Compliment used to describe someone who is engaging to talk to).
"Are you conversant with the new company policies?" (Question asked in a workplace setting).
"They spent the whole evening just conversing and sharing stories." (General description of people interacting socially).
10 Famous Quotes Using Conversation
"The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn't said." (Peter Drucker, often attributed)
"A good conversation is like a miniskirt: short enough to retain interest, but long enough to cover the subject." (Unknown, widely attributed, often to various comedians or journalists)
"I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow." (Woodrow Wilson, a metaphorical quote emphasizing the value of conversational exchange of ideas).
"The first duty of love is to listen." (Paul Tillich, synonymous with the essence of good conversation)
"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." (Plato, implicitly about the quality of conversation)
"We don't just communicate to impart information; we communicate to connect." (Brené Brown, highlights the relational aspect of conversation)
"To have a good conversation, you have to really listen, and not just wait for your turn to talk." (Stephen Covey, reflects a core principle of effective dialogue)
"My idea of a good time is a stimulating conversation." (Attributed to various intellectuals and artists, embodying a preference for intellectual exchange)
"What makes a good listener is not only the ability to understand, but also the ability to not judge." (Unknown, but essential for productive conversation)
"The art of conversation is the art of hearing as well as of being heard." (William Hazlitt)
Etymology
The word "conversation" has a fascinating journey through language! It actually started with a much broader meaning than just "talking."
Its roots go back to Latin, specifically the verb conversari, which meant "to associate with," "to live or dwell with," or even "to turn around together." The idea was more about how people interacted and conducted themselves in society, their way of life or behavior.
From Latin, it moved into Old French as conversacion. In this stage, it still held that original sense of "behavior," "life," or "way of life," particularly how one carried themselves in the world or within a community (like a monastic life).
When it came into Middle English (around the mid-14th century) as conversacioun or conversatioun, it kept these older meanings of "conduct" or "manner of living."
However, over time, the meaning started to narrow down. By the 16th century (around the 1570s), we see the first clear signs of "conversation" taking on the meaning we use most today: an "informal interchange of thoughts and sentiments by spoken words." The focus shifted from overall behavior to the specific act of spoken communication between people.
It's interesting to note that for a while, from the late 14th to the 19th centuries, "conversation" could also be used as a polite way to refer to "sexual intercourse." This is why you might see old legal terms like "criminal conversation" which referred to adultery. This meaning is now completely obsolete.
So, in a nutshell, "conversation" started as a word about how people lived and behaved together, and then gradually evolved to specifically mean the friendly, informal talking we do to exchange ideas and connect with each other.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Conversation
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "conversation" or its close synonyms for similar effect:
Phrases & Idioms with "Conversation":
Have a conversation: To engage in spoken communication.
Example: "We need to have a conversation about your project timeline."
Make conversation: To talk to someone, often out of politeness or to fill silence.
Example: "It was an awkward silence, so I tried to make conversation about the weather."
Start a conversation: To initiate spoken communication.
Example: "He bravely walked up to her to start a conversation."
Join the conversation: To become part of an ongoing discussion.
Example: "Seeing them chatting, I decided to join the conversation."
Steer the conversation: To subtly guide a discussion in a particular direction.
Example: "She tried to steer the conversation away from politics."
Dominate the conversation: To talk excessively, preventing others from contributing.
Example: "He tends to dominate the conversation whenever we meet."
Hold a conversation: To be able to maintain a discussion.
Example: "Despite his age, he can still hold a conversation on complex topics."
Carry on a conversation: To continue talking.
Example: "They managed to carry on a conversation even with the loud music."
Engage in conversation: To participate actively in spoken exchange.
Example: "He loves to engage in conversation with strangers."
A change of conversation: A shift in the topic of discussion.
Example: "After the awkward moment, there was a welcome change of conversation."
Beyond conversation: Something so serious or shocking it's difficult to discuss.
Example: "The tragedy was almost beyond conversation."
Idioms with Synonyms for Similar Effect:
Chew the fat: To chat or talk informally. (Uses "fat" metaphorically for trivial talk, similar to casual conversation)
Example: "Let's grab a coffee and chew the fat for a bit."
Talk shop: To discuss work-related matters, often outside of work hours. (A specific type of conversation)
Example: "Even at the party, they couldn't help but talk shop."
Shoot the breeze: To chat aimlessly or without a specific purpose. (Similar to very casual conversation)
Example: "We spent the afternoon just shooting the breeze on the porch."
Break the ice: To initiate conversation or social interaction in a situation where people are unfamiliar or tense. (Refers to starting a conversation)
Example: "A funny anecdote helped to break the ice at the networking event."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of conversation from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
