WordGarden.ioconversationally
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /kɒnvəsˈeɪʃənəli/
US
Meanings
Adverb
in a natural, informal conversation-like way
well enough to take part in ordinary conversation
Beyond the definition
"Conversationally" describes how something is expressed—not through formal writing or a prepared speech, but as if you were simply talking about it. It captures the way ideas flow when people are chatting casually. Think of a historian explaining a complex event "conversationally" rather than reading from a textbook, or someone mentioning their weekend plans in a relaxed way instead of listing them in a formal email. It implies ease and naturalness, as if you were sharing thoughts over a cup of coffee.
The word often appears with verbs like "mention," "explain," or "ask." For example: "He mentioned, conversationally, that he was leaving the company," or "She asked, conversationally, about my family." It is a subtle way to show how something was communicated, emphasizing a relaxed and approachable tone.
It can also be used when talking about language ability. If someone says they speak Spanish "conversationally," they usually mean they can handle everyday talk, even if they are not fully fluent.
"Conversationally" is an adverb describing the manner in which something is said or expressed—specifically, as if it were part of a casual, lived-in exchange. It suggests a relaxed, informal style of communication that lacks the stiffness of academic prose or the rehearsed nature of a public address.
Think about how you would tell a funny story to a friend versus how you would write a formal report for work. The way you speak to your friend is likely "conversationally," filled with natural pauses, digressions, and easy phrasing. It isn't overly precise or rigid; it simply feels like talking.
In literature and journalism, you will often see "conversationally" modifying verbs of speaking to set the scene. For instance, "He explained the situation conversationally" implies he didn't deliver a lecture but instead shared the information as an equal. Similarly, "She asked conversationally about his day" emphasizes that the question wasn't an interrogation, but a friendly, low-pressure check-in.
The word can also describe a person's general speaking style. To say someone "speaks conversationally, even when discussing complex physics," suggests they have a knack for making difficult subjects accessible and engaging through everyday language. Ultimately, "conversationally" is about the style of delivery rather than just the content, bringing a sense of authenticity and ease to any interaction.
Another common use is about language proficiency. Saying you speak a language "conversationally" means you can manage ordinary conversations (greetings, small talk, basic questions), even if you can't discuss every topic in detail or write formally.
Examples
- 1
Classroom answers
The teacher told us to answer conversationally, not like we were reading a speech.
- 2
Business emails
Even in business emails, she writes conversationally rather than using stiff formal phrases.
- 3
Pronunciation practice
Try saying the sentence conversationally, with a natural rhythm.
- 4
Speaking confidence
He was nervous at first, but after a few minutes he started speaking more conversationally.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Everyday speech
The phrase is used conversationally, so you may hear it in everyday speech but not in official writing.
- Usageused conversationally
used in normal, informal communication
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- colloquially
- chattily
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- write conversationally
- speak conversationally
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- conversationallyadverb