conversation

conversation
conversation (n.) mid-14c., "living together, having dealings with others," also "manner of conducting oneself in the world;" from O.Fr. conversation, from L. conversationem (nom. conversatio) "act of living with," from conversat-, pp. stem of conversari "to live with, keep company with," lit. "turn about with," from L. com- "with" (see COM- (Cf. com-)) + vertare, frequentative of vertere (see VERSUS (Cf. versus)). Specific sense of "talk" is 1570s. Used as a synonym for "sexual intercourse" from at least 1511, hence criminal conversation, legal term for adultery from late 18c. Related: Conversationalist; conversationist.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат
Synonyms:

Look at other dictionaries:

  • conversation — [ kɔ̃vɛrsasjɔ̃ ] n. f. • 1537; « relation, rapports, genre de vie » 1160; lat. conversatio « fréquentation » 1 ♦ Échange de propos (naturel, spontané); ce qui se dit dans un tel échange. ⇒ discussion, entretien, région. palabre. Conversation… …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • conversation — CONVERSATION. s. f. Entretien familier. Conversation agréable, douce, aisée, enjouée, badine, sérieuse, galance, intéressante. Conversation ennuyeuse, longue, sèche, aride. Entrer en conversation. Être en conversation. Lier conversation. Renouer… …   Dictionnaire de l'Académie Française 1798

  • conversation — Conversation. subst. f. v. Entretien familier. Agreable, douce, aisée, enjoüée conversation. conversation ennuyeuse. longue conversation. seche, aride, guindée. entrer en conversation. estre en conversation lier, noüer conversation. se plaire à… …   Dictionnaire de l'Académie française

  • Conversation — Con ver*sa tion, n. [OE. conversacio (in senses 1 & 2), OF. conversacion, F. conversation, fr. L. conversatio frequent abode in a place, intercourse, LL. also, manner of life.] 1. General course of conduct; behavior. [Archaic] [1913 Webster] Let… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Conversation — Conversation. In der seinen und gebildeten Gesellschaft ist die Conversation der Hauptreiz der Unterhaltung, das belebende Element derselben. In ihr findet der Austausch der Ideen Statt. sie ist der Kampfplatz, wo Meinungen, Ansichten, Maximen… …   Damen Conversations Lexikon

  • conversation — UK US /ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃən/ noun [C] ► a discussion with someone about a particular subject: have a conversation »We believe the company has the resources it needs, but if more is needed, we ll have that conversation …   Financial and business terms

  • conversation — [kän΄vər sā′shən] n. [ME conversacioun < OFr conversation < L conversatio < pp. of conversari: see CONVERSE1] 1. the act or an instance of talking together; specif., a) familiar talk; verbal exchange of ideas, opinions, etc. b) an… …   English World dictionary

  • conversation — I noun articulation, causerie, chat, collocution, colloquial discourse, colloquy, communication, confabulation, conloquium, consultation, conversing, deliberation, dialogue, discourse, discussion, dissertation, exchange, exchange of views,… …   Law dictionary

  • conversation — conversation, converse communion, communication, *intercourse, commerce, traffic, dealings, correspondence Analogous words: conversing, talking or talk, speaking or speech (see corresponding verbs at SPEAK) converse vb talk, *speak Analogous… …   New Dictionary of Synonyms

  • conversation — et familiarité, Consuetudo, Conuersatio, Vsus. Conversation ordinaire, Vsus quotidianus …   Thresor de la langue françoyse

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”