I. ˌkänvə(r)ˈsāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English conversacioun, from Middle French conversation, from Latin conversation-, conversatio frequent abode in a place, intercourse, manner of life, from conversatus (past participle of conversari to associate with) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at converse
1. obsolete
a. : the action of living or dwelling in a place
for our conversation is in heaven — Phil 3:20 (Authorized Version)
b. : the action of living, associating, or having dealings with others
my long … conversation with him, that continued to his death for twenty-three years — Gilbert Burnet
c. : manner of living : conduct or behavior
be ye holy in all manner of conversation — 1 Pet 1:15 (Authorized Version)
d. : those with whom one associates : social circle : company
you may know the man by the conversation he keeps — Thomas Shelton
e. : occupation or association especially with an object of study or a subject : close acquaintance or intimacy
experience in business and conversation in books — Francis Bacon
2. : sexual intercourse — used especially in the phrase criminal conversation
3.
a.
(1) : oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, ideas : colloquial discourse
in casual conversation on the street corner
we had talk enough but no conversation ; there was nothing discussed — Samuel Johnson
(2) : an instance of conversational exchange : talk , colloquy
had a long conversation with his friend
b. archaic : a meeting or assembly for conversing or discussing:
(1) : a public conference or debate
(2) : an at home or reception : conversazione
c. : an informal exploratory discussion of an issue by diplomats of two or more governments or by officials or representatives of any institutions or groups
diplomatic conversations
conversations among representatives of the colleges, business, and industry — H.D.Gideonse
4. : conversation piece
•
- make conversation
II. noun
: an exchange similar to conversation ; especially : real-time interaction with a computer especially through a keyboard