ENGLISH
REFERENCE

conversation

n. C / U
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˌkɑnvɝˈseɪʃən// UK //kɒnvəsˈeɪʃən// con·ver·sa·tion Archaic Dialect General-service

n. a talk between two or more people where they share ideas or news. You can have a conversation in person, on the phone, or online.

n. an informal exchange of ideas, thoughts, or feelings by spoken or written words. Often used to describe the interactive process of communication rather than a single statement.


SIMPLE

We had a long conversation about our weekend plans.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager sat down for a private conversation with the new employee to discuss her progress.

COMPLEX

Meaningful conversation requires not only the articulation of one's own perspective but also the active, empathetic listening necessary to synthesize the viewpoints of others.

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.

Usage

Countable when referring to a specific instance of talking; uncountable when referring to the general activity of speaking with others.

Pitfall

We made a conversationWe had a conversationLearners often use the verb 'make' instead of the standard collocations 'have' or 'hold'.

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