conversation

The story

1. Latin · derived fromconversātiōnem
2. Old French · derived fromconversacion
3. Middle English · inherited fromconversacioun
4. English todayconversation

From Middle English conversacioun, from Old French conversacion and its etymon, Latin conversātiōnem, accusative singular of conversātiō (“conversation”), from conversor (“abide, keep company with”). Displaced native Old English wordlaþu. Doublet of conversazione. Morphologically converse + -ation.

First known use, by meaning

• from 16th c. Expression and exchange of individual ideas through talking with other people; also, a set instance or occasion of such talking.
• from 16th c. Dialogue or interaction regarding a topic.
• from 20th c. The protocol-based interaction between systems processing a transaction.
• 14th–18th c. Interaction; commerce or intercourse with other people; dealing with others.
• from 14th c. Behaviour, the way one conducts oneself; a person's way of life.
• 16th–19th c. Sexual intercourse.
• 16th–18th c. Engagement with a specific subject, idea, field of study etc.