converse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to semi-formal for the verb; formal and technical for the noun/adjective (logic, mathematics).
Quick answer
What does “converse” mean?
To talk informally with someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To talk informally with someone; to engage in conversation.
The opposite or reverse of a given statement or situation (as a noun); or the action of exchanging thoughts through speech, or being in an opposite relationship (as an adjective).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. The verb is slightly more common in UK formal writing.
Connotations
The verb 'converse' generally connotes a thoughtful, less trivial exchange than 'chat'. The noun/adjective are purely technical/logical.
Frequency
The verb is mid-frequency. The noun/adjective are low-frequency outside specific academic/technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “converse” in a Sentence
converse (with SO) (about STH)SO and SO converseconverse informally/formallyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “converse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They would often converse over tea about politics.
- I find it difficult to converse in a noisy pub.
American English
- They conversed for hours about the project.
- It's refreshing to converse with someone so well-informed.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used. 'Conversely' is the standard adverb.)
American English
- (Rarely used. 'Conversely' is the standard adverb.)
adjective
British English
- The converse argument is equally valid.
- They travelled in the converse direction.
American English
- The study aimed to prove the converse hypothesis.
- The data showed a converse trend.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports or meetings to denote formal discussion, e.g., 'Managers will converse with stakeholders.'
Academic
Common in social science papers for describing interviews or dialogues. Also, the noun/adjective are standard in logic.
Everyday
Less common than 'talk' or 'chat'. Might sound slightly formal or literary.
Technical
Essential term in logic for the converse of a proposition (e.g., the converse of 'If A then B' is 'If B then A').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “converse”
- Incorrect stress: saying 'CON-verse' for the verb.
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'say' or 'tell' (it implies two-way exchange).
- Confusing the noun with 'conversation'. E.g., 'We had a pleasant converse.' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the verb 'converse' is more formal than 'talk' or 'chat' and is less common in casual conversation. The noun/adjective are specialized terms.
'Converse' implies a mutual, two-way exchange of ideas, often thoughtful. 'Talk' is broader and can include one-way communication (e.g., give a talk).
Context is key, but pronunciation helps: the verb is stressed on the second syllable (conVERSE), while the noun/adjective are stressed on the first (CONverse).
Yes, but it's a formal usage. For example, 'Actually, the converse is true' is acceptable in debate or analytical discussion.
To talk informally with someone.
Converse is usually formal to semi-formal for the verb; formal and technical for the noun/adjective (logic, mathematics). in register.
Converse: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈvɜːs/ (verb); /ˈkɒn.vɜːs/ (noun, adjective), and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈvɝːs/ (verb); /ˈkɑːn.vɝːs/ (noun, adjective). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(no specific idioms for 'converse')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a VERSatile CONVERSation where you CONVERSE on various topics. Remember the noun/adjective stress is CON-verse (like 'convert' but with 'verse').
Conceptual Metaphor
CONVERSATION IS A JOURNEY (we 'go off on a tangent', 'reach a conclusion'), or OPPOSITE IS A FLIP/REVERSAL.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'converse' used as a NOUN?