conversation
gb/kˌɑnvɚsˈeɪʃən/ us/kˌɑnvɚsˈeɪʃən/
A2
English
~ 1500
beszélgetés, tárgyalás, egyeztetés, társadalmi párbeszéd
NOUN
A2
1
beszélgetés
A2
Usage pattern:
to have [a/an] conversation with [someone] about [something]
We had a long conversation about our future plans.
Hosszan beszélgettünk a jövőbeli terveinkről.
Their conversation was interrupted by a loud noise.
A beszélgetésüket egy hangos zaj szakította félbe.
The teacher encouraged conversation among the students.
I overheard a strange conversation in the hallway.
They fell into an easy conversation over coffee.
Learner examples
I had a conversation with my friend.
Beszélgettem a barátommal.
We talked about the weather in our conversation.
A beszélgetésünk során az időjárásról beszéltünk.
She started a conversation with me on the bus.
We had a short conversation after class.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'conversation' (two-way exchange) with 'speech' (one person talking to an audience).
Meaning
Informal talk between people
Collocations
have a conversation
|engage in conversation
|start a conversation
|private conversation
|casual conversation
Synonyms
chat (More casual and often shorter than 'conversation'.)
|
talk (Very general term for verbal communication; can be formal or informal.)
Antonyms
silence (The absence of speech or sound, opposite of verbal exchange.)
Themes
daily life
|communication
|relationships
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
When two or more people talk to each other and share ideas or information.
An informal exchange of spoken words, ideas, or information between two or more people.
NOUN
B2
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
to enter into [a/an] conversation with [someone] on [a subject]
The two leaders had a private conversation about trade policies.
A két vezető négyszemközti tárgyalást folytatott kereskedelempolitikai kérdésekről.
We need to start a national conversation on climate change.
Országos társadalmi párbeszédet kell indítanunk a klímaváltozásról.
Their conversation led to a breakthrough in the negotiations.
Learner examples
The managers had a conversation about the new plan.
A vezetők egyeztetést tartottak az új tervről.
Two countries had a conversation to end the conflict.
A két ország tárgyalásokat folytatott a konfliktus lezárása érdekében.
We had a serious conversation about money.
Common mistake:
Some learners use 'conversation' here when 'negotiation' would be more precise in business contexts.
Meaning
Formal discussion to reach agreement
Collocations
enter into conversation
|political conversation
|national conversation
Synonyms
dialogue (Often used in formal or diplomatic contexts to stress exchange of views.)
Antonyms
monologue (A single person speaking without interaction from others.)
Themes
business
|diplomacy
|negotiation
|communication
|law
Definition
A planned talk between people to find a solution or make a decision.
A formal or structured discussion between two or more parties, often aimed at resolving issues or reaching an agreement.
Grammar
Dictionary form
conversation
IPA
GB/kˌɑnvɚsˈeɪʃən/
US/kˌɑnvɚsˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
con - ver - sa - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ver)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: conversation
- Plural: conversation, conversations
Word family
Forms
conversations
noun
Core family
conversational
adjective
converse
verb B2
Related words
conversationally
adverb
Advanced or less common
conversationalist
noun
Expressions
hold a conversation
1/hˈoʊld ə kˌɑnvɚsˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Sustain an exchange of speech
To keep talking with someone in a way that is interesting and natural.
Examples
- He can hold a conversation in three languages.
- She struggled to hold a conversation because she was tired.
in conversation with
1/ˈɪn kˌɑnvɚsˈeɪʃən wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
formal
Engaged in speech with someone
Talking with someone at that moment.
Examples
- He is in conversation with the manager right now.
- The author was in conversation with fans after the reading.
make conversation
1/mˈeɪk kˌɑnvɚsˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Talk to fill silence politely
To talk to someone so there is no silence, usually about unimportant things.
Examples
- We made conversation about the weather while waiting.
- She tried to make conversation with her new colleagues.