conversation
/ˌkɒn.vərˈseɪ.ʃən/noun★Intermediate— spoken exchange of thoughts or ideas
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
Synonyms
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'conversation' for both formal and informal exchanges, but 'chat' is more casual.
⚡Gold Rule
Two-Way Exchange
A true conversation involves at least two people speaking and listening.
📖Word Origin
From Old French 'conversation' (14th century), from Latin 'conversatio' (speaking together), from 'conversari' (to live with, converse).
📝Usage Notes
Often used to describe a back-and-forth exchange, not a one-sided speech.
Word Breakdown
con-
together
prefix-vers-
to turn
root-ation
the act of
suffixEnglish Dictionary