conversational

[ kon-ver-sey-shuh-nl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of conversation:

   a conversational tone of voice.

2. able or ready to converse; given to conversation.

conversational

/ ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃənəl /

adjective

1. of, using, or in the manner of conversation
2. inclined to or skilled in conversation; conversable

Derived Forms

• ˌconverˈsationally, adverb

Other Words From

• conver·sation·al·ly adverb
• noncon·ver·sation·al adjective
• noncon·ver·sation·al·ly adverb
• precon·ver·sation·al adjective
• uncon·ver·sation·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of conversational¹

First recorded in 1770–80; conversation + -al ¹

Synonym Study

See colloquial.

Example Sentences

Noonan and Karen Sillas star as office colleagues whose first date, an awkward dinner at her apartment, is played out in real time, with uncomfortable pauses and strange conversational detours intact.

From New York Times

Last year was all about conversational AI and Chat GPT, he says.

From BBC

She does a lot of these inspirational talks, and “Master of Me” has a bit of that trademark cheerleader energy — a unique blend of dishy, behind-the-scenes tell-all and conversational wisdom.

From Los Angeles Times

The electorate that ushered Trump back into office trusts their fears and patriarchal order and takes conversational declarations that are the podcast personality’s specialty as gospel.

From Salon

Analysts are correct in noting that mainstream journalists can learn from the conversational bent taken by podcast hosts.

From Salon

Related Words

• casual
• chatty
• colloquial
• informal
• intimate