conversation

Từ điển Oxford Learners Wordfinder Dictionary

see also SAY, SPEAK, TELEPHONE
- informal talk between two or more people: conversation (noun C/U)
to have a conversation ◎ I don't know how we're supposed to carry on a conversation with all that noise going on outside. ◎ When we arrived they were already deep in conversation.
- words, expressions, etc that are used in conversation rather than in writing or in formal situations are informal, colloquial
- a conversation on a particular topic: talk; verb: talk (to/with sb) (about sth)
Your mother and I had a long talk with Mr Davis about your school report. ◎ They have been talking to the Americans about closer cooperation on arms reduction.
- to have a short, often private, conversation with sb about a particular subject: have a word (with sb)
Can I have a quick word with you before you go home?
- a serious conversation about a particular subject: discussion (about sth) (noun C/U); verb: discuss sth
We were having an interesting discussion about politics. ◎ They eventually agreed after much discussion. ◎ We need to discuss our holiday plans.
- a formal discussion, for example between politicians: talks (noun plural)
peace talks
※ more on discussion DISCUSS/ARGUE
- a friendly, informal conversation: chat; verb: chat (to/with sb) (about sth)
Why don't you come round for a chat? ◎ I think I need to have another chat with Jane about her application. ◎ We chatted for hours about all sorts of things.
- to talk to sb in a friendly way because you are sexually attracted to them: (informal) chat sb up
He spent the whole evening trying to chat up my sister.
- informal conversation, usually about other people's private affairs: gossip (noun U/C); verb: gossip
Don't trust him - he's always spreading gossip. ◎ They just sat in a corner gossiping the whole evening. ◎ Whenever they meet they always have a good gossip.
- the thing that you are talking about: subject, topic (of conversation)
His favourite topic of conversation is football.
- to start talking about sth different: change the subject
I could tell she was trying to change the subject.
- to start talking when another person is already talking: interrupt (sb/sth), butt in (on sb/sth), break* in (on sth); noun (C/U): interruption
Please don't interrupt me when I'm trying to speak. ◎ It's rude to interrupt. ◎ I'm sorry to butt in on your conversation. ◎ There were so many interruptions he had to stop speaking. ◎ I hope we'll be able to talk without interruption.
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- a conversation, especially in a book or play, usually between two people: dialogue (AmE dialog)(noun C/U)
The whole of the first act is a dialogue between the two main characters. ◎ You'll find this easy to read because there's a lot of dialogue.
- polite conversation about unimportant things: small talk (noun U)
I don't enjoy formal parties because I'm not very good at making small talk.
- if you do not get a chance to say anything because the person you are talking to never stops talking, you can't get a word in edgeways
She talked non-stop - I couldn't get a word in edgeways.
- a break in a conversation when people feel embarrassed because nobody is talking: an awkward silence
There was an awkward silence when Dave asked Kim if she was married.
- to listen secretly to a private conversation: eavesdrop (on sb/sth)
Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?
- a person who eavesdrops: eavesdropper