conversational

/,kɔnvə'seiʃənl/

Friendly

The word "conversational" is an adjective that describes something related to informal spoken language or everyday conversation. When we say something is conversational, we mean it feels relaxed and friendly, like how people talk to each other in a casual setting.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "conversational" to describe speech, writing, or style that is informal and easy to understand.
• It is often used when talking about the way people communicate in everyday situations, as opposed to formal or academic language.

Examples:

1. Conversational English: This refers to the kind of English that people use in daily conversations. It’s less formal than what you might find in a textbook.

   • Example: "In my English class, we practice conversational English to improve our speaking skills."

2. Conversational Style: This describes a way of writing that feels like chatting with a friend.

   • Example: "The author uses a conversational style in her book, making it easy and enjoyable to read."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "conversational" can refer to the skills involved in effective communication, such as listening and responding in discussions, debates, or negotiations.

Word Variants:

• Conversation (noun): The act of talking with someone.
• Conversationalist (noun): A person who is good at having conversations.

Different Meanings:

While "conversational" primarily relates to informal talking, it can also describe a style of writing that aims to engage the reader in a friendly manner.

Synonyms:

• Informal
• Casual
• Chatty
• Colloquial

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Shoot the breeze": This means to have a casual conversation without any serious topic.

  • Example: "We spent the afternoon just shooting the breeze at the café."

• "Have a heart-to-heart": This means to have a serious and honest conversation.

  • Example: "After the argument, they needed to have a heart-to-heart about their feelings."

Academic

Adjective

1. characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation
   • wrote her letters in a colloquial style
   • the broken syntax and casual enunciation of conversational English

Synonyms

• colloquial