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

Related Phrases

small talkphrase
casual conversation about unimportant topics
heart-to-heart conversationphrase
an intimate, honest discussion

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
suffix
English Dictionary