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Conversation: meaning, definitions and examples

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conversation

 

[ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

social interaction

A talk between two or more people, usually informal and spontaneous, often involving the exchange of ideas, opinions, and feelings.

Synonyms

chat, dialogue, discussion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conversation

Used in general sense for any spoken interaction between people. It can be formal or informal.

  • We had a pleasant conversation over coffee
  • The conversation about the project was very fruitful
discussion

Used when people talk about specific topics or issues, often to share ideas or come to a decision. It can be formal or informal.

  • We had a lively discussion about climate change in class today
  • The discussion during the meeting covered various strategies
dialogue

Used in the context of formal exchanges between parties, such as diplomatic discussions or characters in a play.

  • The dialogue between the two countries helped ease tensions
  • The dialogue in the movie was exceptionally well-written
chat

Used for informal and light-hearted exchanges, often between friends or in relaxed settings. It can also refer to online messaging.

  • I had a quick chat with Tom in the hallway
  • Let's have an online chat later about the movie

Examples of usage

  • Let's have a conversation about our future plans.
  • She had a long conversation with her best friend over the phone.
  • I overheard their conversation about the upcoming project.
  • The conversation flowed smoothly throughout the evening.
  • We had a deep conversation about life and philosophy.
Context #2 | Noun

digital communication

An exchange of messages in a digital format, typically through text, audio, or video, often through online platforms or social media.

Synonyms

chat, digital dialogue, online discussion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
conversation

Used in general situations where two or more people are talking. It can be both formal and informal.

  • We had a long conversation about our plans for the weekend
  • The conversation between the manager and the employee lasted an hour
chat

Often used for informal and casual talking, typically in a relaxed setting.

  • We had a chat over coffee this morning
  • Let's have a quick chat after the meeting
online discussion

Used for structured conversations or exchanges of ideas over the internet, often in forums, educational platforms, or professional settings.

  • The online discussion about climate change attracted many participants
  • Join the online discussion board to share your thoughts and learn from others
digital dialogue

Refers to a conversation taking place in a digital format, such as through emails, messaging apps, or other online platforms.

  • Their digital dialogue on social media was very insightful
  • The digital dialogue between the team members helped in efficiently finalizing the project

Examples of usage

  • I had a conversation with my friend on a messaging app.
  • They had a virtual conversation via video call.
  • The online conversation turned into a heated debate.
  • She joined the conversation on the forum.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'conversatio,' meaning 'to turn about with.' It reflects the idea of exchanging ideas.
  • It evolved in Middle English from the Old French 'converser,' thus showcasing the blend of languages in its history.

Psychology

  • Effective conversations are crucial for developing social skills and emotional intelligence, helping people connect better.
  • Studies show that active listening, a key component of conversation, can significantly enhance relationships and reduce misunderstandings.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures have specific rituals or traditions surrounding conversation, from formal greetings to the sharing of meals.
  • In some cultures, silence is as important as words, and waiting before responding is seen as a sign of respect.

Technology

  • The rise of digital communication has transformed conversation, with texts and chats allowing for instant, but sometimes less personal exchanges.
  • AI-driven conversation bots are becoming increasingly popular for customer service, reflecting how technology influences our communication.

Literature

  • Famous writers, such as Jane Austen and Ernest Hemingway, have explored the depths and complexities of conversation in their works.
  • Dialogue is a vital aspect of storytelling, helping define character, advance plots, and reveal themes. Great conversations in books can be just as engaging as the actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "conversation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conversa

🇮🇳 बातचीत

🇩🇪 Gespräch

🇮🇩 percakapan

🇺🇦 розмова

🇵🇱 rozmowa

🇯🇵 会話 (かいわ)

🇫🇷 conversation

🇪🇸 conversación

🇹🇷 konuşma

🇰🇷 대화 (대화)

🇸🇦 محادثة

🇨🇿 konverzace

🇸🇰 konverzácia

🇨🇳 对话 (duìhuà)

🇸🇮 pogovor

🇮🇸 samtal

🇰🇿 әңгіме

🇬🇪 საუბარი

🇦🇿 söhbət

🇲🇽 conversación

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,076, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.