conversate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low in formal writing; moderate in informal spoken American English.Informal, colloquial, often considered nonstandard or stigmatized in formal registers.
Quick answer
What does “conversate” mean?
To engage in conversation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To engage in conversation; to talk informally with someone.
An informal, chiefly North American verb meaning to converse or have a discussion, often carrying sociolinguistic markers regarding its acceptance in formal contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Virtually non-existent in mainstream British English, where it is widely perceived as an Americanism and an error. In American English, it has recognizable, though contested, usage primarily in informal contexts.
Connotations
In the UK: strongly marked as nonstandard/incorrect. In the US: informal, can be associated with AAVE or casual speech; may be stigmatized in formal/academic settings but is widely understood.
Frequency
Extremely rare in British English. In American English, it occurs in informal speech and some music/media but is avoided in edited prose.
Grammar
How to Use “conversate” in a Sentence
[Someone] conversates with [someone] about [something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conversate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare/Nonstandard) We should conversate about the plans later.
American English
- Let's grab coffee and just conversate for a while.
- They were able to conversate easily despite their differences.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly discouraged; use 'confer', 'discuss', or 'meet'.
Academic
Avoid; use 'converse', 'discourse', or 'debate'.
Everyday
Used informally in some US dialects. Often interchangeable with 'chat' or 'talk'.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conversate”
- Using 'conversate' in formal writing.
- Believing 'conversate' is the standard or only verb form.
- Overusing it due to exposure in informal media.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is recorded in dictionaries as a nonstandard or informal verb, primarily used in American English. However, it is often criticized, and 'converse' is the standard, universally accepted choice.
It is a back-formation from the noun 'conversation', created by removing the '-ion' suffix to form a verb, analogous to 'orate' from 'oration'. It follows a common pattern in English but is redundant given the existing verb 'converse'.
In all formal contexts (writing, presentations, academic work), use 'converse'. 'Conversate' should be reserved for understanding informal speech, particularly in some US dialects, or for stylistic effect in very casual settings.
From a prescriptive (rule-based) standpoint, it is considered incorrect because a standard verb ('converse') already exists. From a descriptive (usage-based) standpoint, it is a valid word in certain dialects and informal registers, demonstrating language change and variation.
To engage in conversation.
Conversate is usually informal, colloquial, often considered nonstandard or stigmatized in formal registers. in register.
Conversate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn.və.seɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.vɚ.seɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Conversation' needs an 'action' verb, so some speakers create 'conversate'. Remember the standard verb is 'converse'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONVERSATION IS A VERBAL ACTIVITY (leading to the back-formation of an activity verb from the noun).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'conversate' most likely to be considered acceptable?