Conversation: Definition, Usage & Key Phrases

Meaning 1：talk between people (conversation)

conversation 🔊

/ˌkɒn.vəˈseɪ.ʃən/

An informal talk between two or more people, like when friends chat about everyday things.

Conversation illustration: two friends talking at a cafe table

talk between people 🔊

➕

/tɔːk bɪˈtwiːn ˈpiː.pəl/

A spoken exchange of thoughts, information, or feelings between two or more people, typically in an informal or casual setting.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'conversari' (to live with, keep company with) via Old French 'conversation'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'converse' as turning 'with' (con-) words 'versus' each other in a friendly exchange.

📖 Example

Over dinner, my family had a wonderful conversation about our recent trip to the mountains. 🔊 During our evening meal, my relatives and I engaged in a delightful and meaningful discussion regarding our latest journey to the mountainous region.

🔗 Collocations

start a conversation – To initiate an exchange of talk with someone.

deep conversation – A discussion involving serious, meaningful, or personal topics.

casual conversation – A relaxed and informal talk, often about everyday matters.

🔄 Synonyms

dialogue (n.) – A formal or structured conversation between two parties, often aiming to resolve an issue.

chat (n.) – A very informal and friendly conversation.

discussion (n.) – A conversation or debate about a specific topic, often to reach a decision or explore ideas.

🚫 Antonyms

monologue (n.) – A long speech by one person, often dominating an exchange without interaction.

silence (n.) – A complete absence of sound or speech.

🌱 Derivatives

converse (v.) – To engage in conversation.

conversationalist (n.) – A person who is good at or fond of engaging in conversation.

📖 Cultural Story

The word evolved from Latin 'conversatio', meaning the act of living or associating with others. It entered English in the 14th century, shifting from a general sense of 'living together' to specifically denote the exchange of thoughts and ideas through speech.