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conversation

n. · v.
US //ˌkɑnvɝˈseɪʃən// UK //kɒnvəsˈeɪʃən// con·ver·sa·tion
  1. 1 talking together (n.)
    A1 Beginner

    a talk between two or more people where they share thoughts and ideas.

    the informal exchange of ideas by spoken words. Both countable and uncountable depending on whether it refers to a specific instance or the general activity.

    Example

    We had a long conversation about our plans for the summer while we walked.

    Example

    The dinner party was filled with lively conversation, ranging from local politics to the latest developments in international cinema.
    Pitfall
    I had a conversation for my holiday with him.
    I had a conversation about my holiday with him.

    Use 'about' to describe the topic of the conversation.

  2. 2 system interaction (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    the way two computers or programs send information back and forth.

    a series of related data exchanges between two or more communication devices or software programs.

    Example

    The server failed because it could not finish the conversation with the database.

    Example

    Network administrators monitored the conversation between the client and the server to identify where the packet loss was occurring.
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  1. 3 fencing (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Sport

    the back-and-forth movement of swords during a fight.

    the continuous exchange of offensive and defensive blade actions between two fencers.

    Example

    The two fencers engaged in a fast conversation of parries and ripostes.

    Example

    The bout was characterized by a sophisticated conversation of blades, with neither athlete willing to commit to a risky attack.
  2. 4 to talk (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Dialect

    to have a talk with someone.

    to engage in a conversation. This verbal form is often considered nonstandard or informal compared to 'converse'.

    Example

    They spent the whole afternoon conversationing on the porch.

    Example

    While some purists dislike the usage, it is common to hear people conversationing freely in casual social settings.

    Usage

    Often used as an intransitive verb followed by 'with'.
Origin

From Middle English conversacioun, from Old French conversacion and its etymon, Latin conversātiōnem, accusative singular of conversātiō (“conversation”), from conversor (“abide, keep company with”). Doublet of conversazione. Morphologically converse + -ation.

Word family

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