Conversation: meaning, definitions and examples

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conversation

 

[ ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃən ]

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?

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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.

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

Etymology

The word 'conversation' originated from the Latin word 'conversatio', meaning 'act of living or dwelling with'. It evolved through Old French and Middle English before adopting its current form in the English language. The concept of conversation has been essential for human interaction and communication throughout history, shaping relationships and fostering understanding among individuals.

See also: conversant, conversationalist, conversed, conversely, conversing.

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.