conversation

/ˌkɒn.vərˈseɪ.ʃən/

spoken exchange of thoughts or ideas

They had a long conversation about their future plans.

They talked extensively about what they want to do in the future.

formalinformal

An oral exchange of thoughts, ideas, or information between two or more people.

The professor engaged in a lively conversation with his students.

The professor discussed topics with his students in an animated way.

We need to have a serious conversation about our relationship.

We must talk seriously about our relationship.

Can be casual or formal, depending on the context.

Collocations

have a conversationto talk with someonestrike up a conversationto start talking to someoneone-sided conversationa talk where only one person speaks

casual conversation about unimportant topics

an intimate, honest discussion

Use 'conversation' for both formal and informal exchanges, but 'chat' is more casual.

A true conversation involves at least two people speaking and listening.

From Old French 'conversation' (14th century), from Latin 'conversatio' (speaking together), from 'conversari' (to live with, converse).

Often used to describe a back-and-forth exchange, not a one-sided speech.

con-

together

prefix

-vers-

to turn

root

-ation

the act of

suffix

English Dictionary