# conversation

/ˌkɑnvɝˈseɪʃən/ (US) · /kɒnvəsˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/conversation
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. talking together

noun · CEFR A1

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

For teachers: 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.

- We had a long conversation about our plans for the summer while we walked.
- The dinner party was filled with lively conversation, ranging from local politics to the latest developments in international cinema.

### 2. system interaction

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

- The server failed because it could not finish the conversation with the database.
- Network administrators monitored the conversation between the client and the server to identify where the packet loss was occurring.

### 3. fencing

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The two fencers engaged in a fast conversation of parries and ripostes.
- The bout was characterized by a sophisticated conversation of blades, with neither athlete willing to commit to a risky attack.

### 4. to talk

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal · Dialect

to have a talk with someone.

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

- They spent the whole afternoon conversationing on the porch.
- 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'.

## Examples

- We had a long conversation about our weekend plans.
- The manager sat down for a private conversation with the new employee to discuss her progress.
- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.