initiate conversation

/ɪˈnɪʃi.eɪt kənˈvɜː.seɪ.ʃən/

phrase★Intermediate

◆ What It Really Means

To start a dialogue or communication with someone.

¶ Literal Meaning

To begin a talk or exchange of ideas with someone.

Literal Breakdown

initiateTo start or begin+conversationA talk or discussion

◇ Mental Image

The mental image of two people starting to talk, possibly in a social or professional setting.

◈ When to Use

At a party, you might initiate conversation with a stranger by asking about their interests or background.

◉ Cultural Note

In many cultures, initiating conversation is seen as a polite and necessary social skill, especially in professional or networking environments.

informal

To begin or start a conversation with someone, often to establish communication or engage in dialogue.

She decided to initiate conversation with the new colleague to make them feel welcome.

He hesitated before initiating conversation at the networking event.

💡

This phrase is commonly used in social, professional, and casual settings to describe the act of starting a dialogue.

Collocations

initiate a conversationTo start a conversationinitiate dialogueTo begin a formal or structured conversation

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

break the iceidiom

To start a conversation in a social setting to ease tension

strike up a conversationphrase

To start talking to someone in a casual or spontaneous way

💡Pro Tip

Use in Social Settings

This phrase is particularly useful in social or professional settings where starting a conversation is important for building relationships.

⚡Gold Rule

Context Matters

The phrase can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but the tone and approach should match the setting.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the verb 'initiate' (from Latin 'initiare') meaning to begin or start, combined with 'conversation' (from Latin 'conversatio') meaning talk or discussion.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is often used to describe the act of starting a conversation with someone new or in a new setting.

Word Breakdown

initiate

To begin or start something

root

conversation

A talk involving two or more people

root

English Dictionary