conversation
kon-vuh-SAY-shn
Conversation (noun) means a spoken exchange of ideas or information between two or more people. Example: “We had a long conversation about the future of the company.”
noun
1
A spoken exchange of ideas or information between two or more people.
"We had a long conversation about the future of the company."
"She struck up a conversation with the stranger on the train."
"Their quiet conversation in the cafe lasted well into the evening."
2
Ongoing public discussion or debate about a particular topic.
"The documentary sparked a national conversation about climate change."
"Social media has started a wider conversation about how we use our phones."
"Teachers joined the conversation about school uniforms in the local paper."
How to use conversation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTalking with someone, exchanging thoughts back and forth — either casually or as part of a wider public debate.
Common pairings
strike up a conversation
casual conversation
have a conversation
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Word forms
- Plural
- conversations
- Third person singular
- conversations
- Past tense
- conversationed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We had a long _____ about the future of the company.
Etymology
From Latin conversatio, "the act of living with others, familiar intercourse" — related to converse.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for conversation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for conversation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “conversation” mean?
The word “conversation” means a spoken exchange of ideas or information between two or more people. In plain terms, talking with someone, exchanging thoughts back and forth — either casually or as part of a wider public debate.
How do you pronounce “conversation”?
“Conversation” is pronounced kon-vuh-SAY-shn (/ˌkɑn.vəɹˈseɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “conversation” in a sentence?
Here is “conversation” used in a sentence: “We had a long conversation about the future of the company.”
What part of speech is “conversation”?
“Conversation” is a noun.
Where does the word “conversation” come from?
The word “conversation” comes from Latin.
Is “conversation” a common word?
“Conversation” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “conversation” have?
“Conversation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a spoken exchange of ideas or information between two or more people.
What is the difference between a conversation and a discussion?
A conversation is a relaxed, informal exchange that can wander freely across topics, often for its own enjoyment. A discussion is more focused and purposeful, usually centred on a particular subject or aimed at reaching a decision. All discussions are conversations, but not every conversation is a discussion.
What are the types of conversations?
Conversations range from casual small talk and friendly chats to deep, meaningful heart-to-hearts. Others are formal or professional, such as interviews and negotiations, or structured as debates and discussions. They can happen face to face, by phone, or online, but all involve a spoken exchange between people.
Can conversation skills be learned?
Yes. Good conversation is a skill that improves with practice. Active listening, asking open questions, taking turns, reading body language, and showing genuine interest can all be learned and refined. Even naturally shy people can become confident conversationalists by developing these habits over time.
What is an example of a conversation?
A simple example is two friends chatting over coffee about their weekends, taking turns to speak and listen. Others include a phone catch-up with family, a chat with a colleague about a project, or a get-to-know-you talk between new acquaintances.
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