conversationally
conversationally — adverb
1. by having a spoken exchange with another person, rather than by writing or using
by having a spoken exchange with another person, rather than by writing or using other forms of communication
Caio explained his travel plans conversationally while they ate lunch.
explain + conversationally — shared through talk
The two colleagues settled the dispute conversationally, without writing any letters or emails.
Minh shared the team's new ideas conversationally with Owen during a coffee break.
The problem was discussed conversationally, with everyone adding their thoughts one by one.
passive construction: was discussed conversationally
- explain conversationally
- discuss conversationally
- share conversationally
- in writing
communicating through written text rather than speech
Grammar Patterns
verb + conversationally
2. using the relaxed, everyday language that people use when talking with friends o
using the relaxed, everyday language that people use when talking with friends or family, rather than formal or academic language
The professor spoke conversationally, so the lecture was easy for everyone to follow.
conversationally = informal register in speech
Sofie wrote the blog post conversationally, as if she were chatting with a good friend.
The guide addressed the group conversationally, using simple words that tourists could understand.
conversationally = avoiding formal / technical language
Nadia told the story conversationally, as if she were chatting with an old friend.
told + conversationally — informal storytelling register
- speak conversationally
- write conversationally
- tone conversationally light
- informally
broader use — applies to dress, behaviour, and rules, not just language style
- colloquially
more specific to regional or casual speech; slightly more formal register than 'conversationally'
- formally
using proper, structured language suitable for official or serious situations
Grammar Patterns
verb + conversationally
Usage Note
Often describes the tone of speech or writing, particularly when the speaker deliberately avoids formal or technical language to make the audience feel at ease. Not used to describe the content of what is said, but the style in which it is delivered.
Common Mistakes
conversationally — noun
1. the activity of talking with someone in which you share thoughts, feelings, news
the activity of talking with someone in which you share thoughts, feelings, news, or ideas through spoken words
Rachel had a long conversation with her mother about choosing a university.
have + conversation + with + about
Daichi finds it hard to start a conversation with people he does not know.
collocation: start a conversation
Eitan and Sana were deep in conversation when the bus arrived at the station.
deep in conversation — fixed phrase
Good conversation needs both people to listen as well as to speak.
uncountable use: good conversation (the activity in general)
- have a conversation
- start a conversation
- in conversation
- deep in conversation
- make conversation
- silence
the absence of talk or exchange
Grammar Patterns
have + conversation
in + conversation
make + conversation
Usage Note
Can be uncountable (general activity: 'Conversation helps people connect') or countable (a specific event: 'We had an interesting conversation'). The uncountable form does not take an article.
Common Mistakes
2. a specific instance of talking with someone about a particular subject, rather t
a specific instance of talking with someone about a particular subject, rather than the general activity of talking
Minh had an interesting conversation with the librarian about travel books.
countable: an interesting conversation
During their conversation, Eliska mentioned she was moving to a new apartment.
The short conversation with Tariq changed the way Yasmin thought about the project.
Owen kept notes of each conversation he had with the lawyer about the contract.
each + conversation — referring to separate instances
- a conversation about
- a conversation with
- during the conversation
- each conversation
- talk
slightly broader — can be one person speaking or a formal speech
- discussion
implies a more focused exchange on a particular topic, often problem-solving
Grammar Patterns
a + conversation + about/with
conversation + between
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is always countable and refers to a specific, bounded event ('a conversation', 'the conversation', 'each conversation'). Sense 1 can be uncountable and refers to the general activity.
3. a formal or semi-formal discussion between representatives of governments, organ
a formal or semi-formal discussion between representatives of governments, organisations, or groups, usually about an important issue
The two leaders held a conversation about trade agreements last month in Geneva.
hold + a conversation — formal register, political context
Rachel took part in an international conversation on climate policy at the conference.
The peace conversations between the groups continued late into the night.
plural: conversations — formal diplomatic talks
Both sides described the conversation as open and productive.
- hold conversations
- peace conversations
- international conversation
- conversations between leaders
- talks
more common in news headlines; shorter and more direct
- negotiations
stronger implication of trying to reach a deal; more competitive tone
- dialogue
more formal; suggests ongoing exchange between groups
Grammar Patterns
conversation + between + groups/leaders
hold + conversations
Usage Note
Commonly used in news and political reporting. Often appears in the plural form ('conversations') when referring to a series of meetings. Unlike sense 1, this sense implies a purpose or agenda rather than casual social talk.
4. an exchange of ideas or messages that resembles a spoken talk but uses a differe
an exchange of ideas or messages that resembles a spoken talk but uses a different method, such as writing, sign language, or text messages
Daichi and Sana kept up a text-message conversation all morning while they were apart.
text-message conversation — non-verbal exchange
The deaf couple had a silent conversation using sign language at the café table.
Their letters over fifteen years formed a written conversation across two continents.
The friends shared a playful conversation through emoji and stickers in the group chat.
- text conversation
- silent conversation
- written conversation
- online conversation
- correspondence
more formal and limited to written exchange; lacks the immediacy of conversation
- exchange
broader — can refer to any giving and receiving, including goods
Grammar Patterns
conversation + via/through
written + conversation
Usage Note
Used when describing communication that has the back-and-forth quality of speech but does not use the spoken voice. Common with phrases like 'a text conversation', 'a silent conversation', or 'a written conversation'.
5. a person's way of behaving in social situations (old-fashioned or literary use)
a person's way of behaving in social situations (old-fashioned or literary use)
In old novels, a person's conversation was judged by their manners and clothes.
archaic sense — behaviour, not speech
The young gentleman was praised for his agreeable conversation at the dinner party.
A lady of graceful conversation was admired in the society of that time.
Guests of noble conversation were always welcome at the earl's country estate.
- agreeable conversation
- graceful conversation
- one's conversation
Usage Note
This sense is now considered archaic or literary. In modern English, 'conversation' almost always refers to spoken exchange rather than behaviour. You will mainly encounter it in 19th-century novels or historical texts.
conversationally — adjective
- conversationallypositive
- more conversationallycomparative
- most conversationallysuperlative
1. enjoying talking to people and often starting or joining conversations easily
enjoying talking to people and often starting or joining conversations easily
Tariq is very conversational and can talk to anyone at a party.
be + conversational — personality trait
Rachel's conversational nature makes her a wonderful host at dinner events.
Sana felt at ease because Minh was warm and conversational from the start.
The conversational passengers on the train kept each other entertained for the whole journey.
attributive: conversational + noun
- conversational nature
- conversational person
- warm and conversational
Grammar Patterns
be + conversational
conversational + nature/person
Usage Note
Describes a person's nature, not a single action. You would say 'He is conversational' (general trait), but 'He started a conversation' (specific action). Not used in the comparative form ('more conversational').
Common Mistakes
2. relating to or typical of the kind of language people use in everyday spoken exc
relating to or typical of the kind of language people use in everyday spoken exchanges, rather than in formal writing
Eliska's conversational English improved quickly after she moved to London.
conversational English — everyday spoken language
The book is written in a light, conversational style that readers enjoy.
conversational style — informal writing style
Mathieu needs to work on his conversational skills before the job interview.
The app teaches practical conversational phrases that people use every day.
Sofie adopted a conversational tone in her report so the staff could read it easily.
conversational tone — contrast with formal tone
- conversational English
- conversational style
- conversational tone
- conversational skills
- conversational phrases
- informal
broader — applies to dress, rules, and behaviour, not just language
- colloquial
more specific to regional everyday speech; slightly more academic
- casual
broader still — can describe clothes, attitude, or language
Grammar Patterns
conversational + noun
Usage Note
Commonly paired with nouns describing language, communication, or writing style ('English', 'skills', 'tone', 'style', 'phrases'). This is the most frequent sense of 'conversational' in modern use.
Word family
- conversationnounA2
- conversationaladjectiveB1
- converseverbB2
- conversantadjectiveC1
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
While all four words describe spoken exchanges, they differ in tone and purpose. 'Conversation' is the most neutral and general — it covers any exchange of thoughts between people, whether light or serious. 'Talk' is broader and can refer to a one-sided speech ('a TED talk') or informal exchange ('a little talk'). 'Chat' is always light and friendly, suggesting a relaxed exchange without a fixed goal. 'Discussion' implies a more purposeful exchange, often for problem-solving or decision-making. For example: 'We had a conversation about travel' is neutral; 'We had a chat about weekend plans' is casual; and 'We had a discussion about the budget' is focused and goal-oriented.
Common collocations
Etymology
The word 'conversation' entered English in the 1300s from Old French 'conversacion', which came from Latin 'conversatio' (meaning 'frequent use, intercourse'). The Latin root 'conversari' means 'to live with, keep company with' — from 'com-' (together) + 'versari' (to dwell, to turn about). The modern sense of 'talking together' developed in the 1500s, gradually replacing the broader meaning of 'behaviour' or 'way of life', which is now considered archaic.
First known use
14th century
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2