conversation
Synonyms
These are all words for an occasion when people talk about something.
discussion a detailed conversation about something that is considered to be important: Discussions are still taking place between the two leaders.
conversation a talk, usually a private or informal one, involving two people or a small group; the activity of talking in this way: a telephone conversation
dialogue conversations in a book, play or film: The novel has long descriptions and not much dialogue.
A dialogue is also a formal discussion between two groups, especially when they are trying to solve a problem or end a dispute:
The President told waiting reporters there had been a constructive dialogue.
talk a conversation or discussion, often one about a problem or something important for the people involved: I had a long talk with my boss about my career prospects.
debate a formal discussion of an issue at a public meeting or in a parliament. In a debate two or more speakers express opposing views and then there is often a vote on the issue: a debate on prison reform
consultation a formal discussion between groups of people before a decision is made about something: There have been extensive consultations between the two countries.
chat a friendly informal conversation; informal talking. The countable use of chat is especially British English: I just called in for a chat about the kids.
gossip a conversation about other people and their private lives: We had a good gossip about the boss.
Patterns
a discussion/conversation/dialogue/talk/debate/consultation/chat/gossip about something
a discussion/conversation/dialogue/debate/consultation on something
in (close) discussion/conversation/dialogue/debate/consultation with somebody
to have a discussion/conversation/dialogue/talk/debate/consultation/chat/gossip with somebody
to hold a discussion/conversation/debate/consultation
$ \mathrm{conversation} /ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃn/
an informal talk involving a small group of people or only two; the activity of talking in this way
a phone conversation
The main topic of conversation was the likely outcome of the election.
I tried to make conversation (= to speak in order to appear polite).
conversation with somebody
I had a long conversation with her the other day.
She was engaged in conversation with a colleague.
(British English) to get into conversation with somebody
(North American English) to get into a conversation with somebody
conversation between A and B
I overheard a conversation between two colleagues.
conversation about something
We had to listen to endless conversations about high prices and food shortages.
in conversation
Don was deep in conversation with the girl on his right.
I spent an hour in conversation with him.
The conversation turned to gardening.
Desperately he struggled to keep the conversation going.
I see no point in continuing this conversation.
She tried to steer the conversation away from the topic of marriage.
He felt a sudden alarm at the turn the conversation was taking.
Collocations
adjective
… of conversation
verb + conversation
conversation + verb
preposition
phrases
an attempt at conversation
be in… conversation (with somebody)
a buzz of conversation…
Word Origin