conversation
UK /ˌkɒn.vəˈseɪ.ʃn̩/ · US /ˌkɑn.vəɹˈseɪ.ʃən/ noun, verb
Forms conversations conversationing conversationed
- noun Expression and exchange of individual ideas through talking with other people; also, a set instance or occasion of such talking. “I had an interesting conversation with Nicolas yesterday about how much he's getting paid.”
- noun (uncountable) Dialogue or interaction regarding a topic.
- noun (fencing) The back-and-forth play of the blades in a bout.
- noun (computing, networking) The protocol-based interaction between systems processing a transaction.
- noun (obsolete) Interaction; commerce or intercourse with other people; dealing with others.
- noun (archaic) Behaviour, the way one conducts oneself; a person's way of life.
- noun (obsolete) Sexual intercourse. “criminal conversation”
- noun (obsolete) Engagement with a specific subject, idea, field of study etc.
- verb (nonstandard, ambitransitive) To engage in conversation (with).
Synonyms
intercourse visit banter chat chinwag dialogue discussion interlocution powwow table talk aphrodisia carnal knowledge coitus coition commerce commixtion congress conjunction connection consummation
Etymology
From Middle English conversacioun, from Old French conversacion and its etymon, Latin conversātiōnem, accusative singular of conversātiō (“conversation”), from conversor (“abide, keep company with”). Displaced native Old English wordlaþu. Doublet of conversazione.
Morphologically converse + -ation.
Webster’s 1913
- noun General course of conduct; behavior. [Archaic]
- noun Familiar intercourse; intimate fellowship or association; close acquaintance. "Conversation with the best company." Dryden.
Etymology [OE. conversacio (in senses 1 & 2), OF. conversacion, F. conversation, fr. L. conversatio frequent abode in a place, intercourse, LL. also, manner of life.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “conversation”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details