Do you know the definition of converse? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word converse, including its definition, etymology and word origin, usage, example sentences, and more!
Your writing, at its best
Compose bold, clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant
According to WordNik, Collins English Dictionary, and the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, the word converse can be used as a verb to mean to exchange thoughts or practice the free interchange of thoughts. As a noun, this is known as conversation. This is usually done with someone who is an acquaintance by frequent or customary intercourse. Conversing is done in an informal manner with familiar communion or familiar discourse. An exchange of thoughts is usually done in this given manner by those who have a familiar association and want to exchange views. The suffixes ing and ed can be added to the end of converse to make different tenses like the past participle or present participle form of the word converse, conversed and conversing. While this is usually a means of speech, one could also converse in sign language or by written word. Converse can also mean to keep company or hold intimate intercourse with someone. Converse is two syllables – con-verse, and the pronunciation of converse is ˈkɒnvɜːs.
The word converse can also be used as a noun to refer to an opposite or contrary, or something in reverse order. For example, father is the converse of son, socialists are the converse of fascists, and rich men are the converse of poor men. The given relation holds between them in reverse order.
This term is also used in logic. It refers to a proposition or theorem of the form “If A, then B,” e.g. “If all Xs are greater than Ys, all Ys are less than Xs.” This is considered a categorical proposition. In short, it is a group of words correlative with a preceding group. However, the significant pair of terms, or the transposition of subject and predicate are interchanged, or in reverse order. This weakens a universal proposition. For example, “No bad man is bald, therefore no bald man is bad.” This is also often used in math to conduct a proof for an equivalent.
What is the origin of the word converse?
According to Your Dictionary, the word converse has been used since the c16 Middle English conversen. This comes from the Middle French converser, Old French converser, the Latin conversare and the Latin conversus/conversāre, Latin conversārī com- com- versārī, meaning to occupy oneself. This is from the past participle of converto meaning to turn about, from the roots con and vert, added to tus, a past participle suffix. These come from the stem wer- in Proto-Indo-European roots. Related words include convert.
What are synonyms and antonyms of converse?
There are a number of different words that a person can choose to use in place of the word converse. These are called synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same meaning or definition as another given word or phrase. Learning synonyms is a great way to easily expand your English language vocabulary and help you avoid repeating yourself when writing or speaking. The below list of synonyms for the word converse is provided by Power Thesaurus.
discuss
natter
chatter
talk
reversed
conversation
chatting
opposite
antithetical
antipodal
contradictory
counter
chew the fat
obverse
antithesis
have a conversation
negation
parley
reverse
gossip
speak
shoot the breeze
flip side
commune
chin
talking
confer
contrary
palaver
gab
confabulation
visit
have a word
discourse
rap
antipodean
transposed
consult
have a confab
dialogue
confabulate
contra
socialize
antipode
communicate
opposing
chat
inverse
confab
colloquy
There are also plenty of different words that have the opposite meaning of the word converse. These opposite words are called antonyms, which are another great, quick and easy way to expand your English language vocabulary. This list of antonyms is also provided by Power Thesaurus.
example
bite one’s tongue
accommodation
exactly the same
bite your lip
accident
keep quiet
denotation
button your lip
as demonstrated
button one’s lip
like two peas in a pod
consistent
button it
antagonism
disagreement
similar
fine line
button one’s lips
button up one’s lip
as alike as two peas in a pod
as indicated
button up your lips
alter ego
as mentioned
as shown
button up one’s lips
division
flounder
complementary
bite your tongue
as noted
equal
as illustrated
make a long story short
affinity
evenness
put a sock in it
close your mouth
beautiful union
long story short
adequate
cut a long story short
bite one’s lip
as evidenced
button up your lip
blunder
companion
same
button your lips
How can the word converse be used in a sentence?
The word converse can be used in many different sentences in the English language. Using words in a sentence is a great way to memorize their definition. You can also try making flashcards or quizzes for yourself to see how good your vocabulary is. Try using this word of the day in a sentence today. Below are a couple of different examples of the word converse to get you started.
In the first-class carriage of a train, Edward Young heard the vain converse of the world – the love of fame inspired his complete short stories book.
Saki was on the fence whether she wanted to converse with the other children. She brought over a few toys of peace to break the ice.
Overall, the word converse means to speak with or chat with. It can also be sued in logic to refer to a certain type of proof, or sued as a noun to mean an opposite.
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.