Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Conversationalist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—จ๏ธ
Add to dictionary

conversationalist

[หŒkษ’nvษ™หˆseษชสƒ(ษ™)nษ™lษชst ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

social interactions

A conversationalist is someone who enjoys and excels at engaging in conversations with others. They are skilled at keeping discussions interesting and flowing smoothly.

Synonyms

chatterbox, communicator, talker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
conversationalist

This is appropriate when describing someone who is skilled at engaging in meaningful and interesting conversations.

  • Joan is a great conversationalist; she always knows how to keep a discussion interesting.
  • At the dinner party, Mark proved himself to be a natural conversationalist, easily engaging with everyone at the table.
talker

This is a general term for someone who talks, and it can be used in both positive and negative contexts depending on the situation.

  • He's a smooth talker, always knowing what to say to charm people.
  • In group projects, you can usually rely on Julie to be the talker and present our ideas.
chatterbox

Use this when referring to someone who talks a lot, often excessively. It can have a slightly negative connotation depending on the context.

  • My little sister is such a chatterbox; she never stops talking!
  • During the meeting, Tom was a bit of a chatterbox, making it hard to stay on topic.
communicator

This term is used for someone who is good at conveying ideas, information, or emotions effectively.

  • As a leader, it's crucial to be a strong communicator to ensure everyone understands the team's goals.
  • She is an excellent communicator, always making her points clearly and concisely.

Examples of usage

  • He is known as a great conversationalist at parties.
  • She is a natural conversationalist and can talk to anyone about anything.
  • Being a conversationalist, he always knows how to keep a conversation going.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Effective conversationalists often exhibit high emotional intelligence, which helps them navigate complex social interactions.
  • Research shows good conversational skills can lead to increased feelings of connection and trust between individuals.

Pop Culture

  • Many famous talk show hosts and comedians, like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, are celebrated for their conversational abilities and knack for engaging an audience.
  • Movies often portray charismatic characters who are great conversationalists, showcasing their ability to charm and influence others.

Literature

  • Classic novels often feature characters who are skilled at conversation, highlighting their social authority or the dynamics of their relationships.
  • Authors like Jane Austen depicted the importance of conversation to reveal character traits and societal norms, using dialogue as a focal point of their narratives.

Communication Skills

  • Being a good conversationalist involves active listening, empathy, and the ability to ask open-ended questions to keep discussions flowing.
  • Workshops on public speaking often emphasize the importance of being a skilled conversationalist as a way to connect with the audience effectively.

Origin of 'conversationalist'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'conversatio,' meaning 'to turn around with' or 'to keep company with,' hinting at the back-and-forth nature of dialogue.
  • It has evolved from simple chatting to referring to someone skilled in engaging discussions.

The word 'conversationalist' originates from the verb 'converse', which comes from the Latin word 'conversari', meaning 'to live with, keep company with'. The suffix '-ist' is used to indicate a person who practices or is skilled in a particular activity. Therefore, a conversationalist is someone who is skilled in engaging in conversations with others.

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

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,036 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.