Example of using conversate: Id enjoy the opportunity to conversate more on that topic. Thus, escalate was formed by shortening escalator; televise comes from television, and donate was made from donation. His converse was so tedious I had to stop myself from zoning out multiple times. No results found for is conversate in the oxford english dictionary. To keep company; to hold intimate intercourse; to commune; followed by with. The station was busy, as in Chocka (as in the station was chocka). Is 'Once a cheater, always a cheater' always true? . The only verbs that need to be said are those that clutter up the room. A. So a bunch of people noted in yesterdays Ebonics thread that conversate wasnt a word, because it wasnt in the Oxford English Dictionary. Sometimes people create an -ate form spontaneously where none existed, either because of a speech error, a lack of awareness of the original verb, or perhaps because the -ate form sounds better prosodically. Many people find its informality grating, and most usage guides will caution against using it in any formal writing. When Jack and Mary used to converse, no one else could get a word in. The correct form is "to converse". This womans name is commonly used in Australia to refer to a woman. Merriam-Webster defines irregardless as nonstandard but meaning the same as regardless. Many people find irregardless to be a nonsensical word, as the ir- prefix usually functions to indicates negation; however, in this case it appears to function as an intensifier, the dictionary writes. While some back-formations can even become standard, conversate is decidedly nonstandard. Why isn't conversate a word . Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! Is Irregardless in the dictionary? What are the advantages and disadvantages of EBCDIC? Using conversate may feel more acceptable in casual settings, among people in personal conversation rather than in the boardroom. "Big Poppa". However, it is not surprising that you have heard it used, because it is a word that is employed in some dialects. He was represented by the ACLU in his lawsuit against Arizona over a law restricting those contracted with the state from boycotting . Language is dynamic and evolving. Taking this all together, you would not expect to find it in formal or heavily edited prose in Standard English unless quoting someone else. The term fella, which is either directly used by a man or used in a third person, refers to a person. Much of the reaction against conversate involves accusations that it's "not a real word" because people get it from musicor that it's "not a real word" because it's rooted in African-American slang. Slang is defined as "an informal nonstandard vocabulary composed typically of coinages, arbitrarily changed words, and extravagant, forced, or facetious figures of speech." The earliest cite we have for conversate (according to the Oxford English Dictionary) is this: 1574 C. Vitell tr. And now, about once a month, I hear other students using this word. This position may lead to your next question: can you use the word conversate in professional settings? It is most commonly used in AAVE, a dialect of American English. To get to conversate, youd have to take the noun conversation, remove the suffix -ion, add an e at the end, and use it as a verb. Garner, if it is spotted in the wild, then it's a word. Some of these back formations mentioned above are useful as they have a slightly different meaning than the original verb: Commentate (from commentator) indicates a formal role that the subject is performing (that is, providing opinions as a recognized authority) that comment does not. use this word. Alyssa Farah Griffin called out Ana Navarro during a conversation about toxic femininity on today's episode of 'The View.' The View host said she "can't really get a word in" without Navarro . What is the climax of the ballad of a mother's heart? Press J to jump to the feed. A pea (meaning the vegetable) is an example of a back-formation from the word pepe. This explains why the sometimes-seen yall spelling is wrong. Yes, conversate is definitely a word, in use in English for over 200 years. There are many hundreds of words in English made this way, but some people will forever look askance at words such as liaise (formed by back-formation from liaison). As for conversate being a synonym of converse, the OED shows that it has been in use in the US at least as far back as 1811: 1811 A. Loudon Select. Some language experts believe this principle is a defining feature of language. No, conversate is not in the Oxford Dictionary. Because conversate is never used as a noun. The word has been in fairly consistent written use for over 200 years. It makes no difference how well-known a word is in a single dialect; it is not appropriate to use it in a work setting or in school correspondence. These variants are back-formed versions of words that language enthusiasts may hear, such as commentate, orientate, or converge. Conversate has the power to upset a great many people, if the hundreds of comments left by users of this dictionary under the word's entry are any indication. He was seen conversating to an unknown person before abruptly leaving the bar. Let's dive deeper. Send us feedback. OnomatopoeiaDecember 22, 2010, 5:38pm #16 Conversate is not new; it's wrong, but not new. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! While some of these new words are quickly adopted by the general population, others never quite catch on. The Spanish Is this a word? No matter what Merriam-Webster says, conversate is, Betterment Moves Beyond Robo-Advising With Human Financial Planners, A Digital Media Startup Growing Up With Millennial Women, Indonesias Largest Fleet Of Taxis Teams Up To Beat Ride-hailing Apps, Five London Tower Blocks Evacuated Over Cladding Safety Fears, New campaign wants you to raise funds for abuse victims by ditching the razor, New York Newest Vegan Spot: No Shade From Us, Shady Shack Is On Point. It is a word that can be used by anyone. We are a team with 10 years experience in content delivery. Strictly speaking it should be acromulous but thats another battle thats been fought and lost. Furthermore, conversate is a nonstandard form, and widely frowned upon in formal writing. How can human feed themselves on a planet without organic compounds? If you see/hear it being used there's a very good chance it is being used by someone who speaks that dialect. Learn a new word every day. Conversate also upsets some people because it's most frequently used in song lyrics, particularly rap and hip-hop lyricsas in the Case lyric "Tell me can we conversate/So we can get to learn each other" ("Conversate," 2001). Check that the suffix is identical to the one of the verb in order to avoid Needless Back-formations. The English language is constantly evolving, with new words being added to the dictionary on a regular basis. This comes back to the fact that sources still categorize conversate as a nonstandard word. Some argue "conversate" it is a back-formation, but it is not a widely accepted one. There are some dialects that are back-formed in some way. With all due respect to Mssr. In fact, many people do use the word conversating when they are talking to someone. A phrase is a group of related words, but a clause is not. format for you." Many people find its informality grating, and most usage guides will caution against using it in any formal writing. While it may not be considered proper English, it is still a word that is used by many people. Conversating isn't a word. Theres nothing new about the word, nor is there anything illegitimate. You have been successfully subscribed to the Grammarly blog. Vote up if you think should be a word. Because of the limitation of the word conversate, it can be considered a synonym for converse, but the two are not interchangeable. Many people find its informality grating, and most usage guides will caution against using it in any formal writing. / (knvsenl) / adjective. "Conversate" is incorrect. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Yet conversate is not a product of rap music, and the earliest examples of its use seem regional, not racial. The short answer is no, conversating is not a word in the English dictionary. Let's dive deeper. Because it does not follow typical grammar rules, this has been around for centuries and is only now becoming obsolete. A persons perception of language is that it is appropriate or it is not. , The other guests were all conversing with one another. The word conversation is the act of talking with someone. So, if youre wondering whether or not you should use the word conversating when youre talking to someone, the answer is up to you. Yes! Conversate is indeed a back-formation; I've seen it in print. Converse functions as a noun, adjective, and verb, and conversate is synonymous with only one sense of the verb use of converse ("to exchange thoughts and opinions in speech"). Its been long established that conversate is indeed just as much of a real word as the word converse. If you want to consider fun, as an adjective, a word, then funner is indeed a word, as is funnest, per normal rules of adjective formation. What would you say when someone asks you what the ordinal number between second and fourth? The way he conversated was so tedious I had to stop myself from zoning out multiple times. Outrages Indians II. Eithers fine. Writing, grammar, and communication tips for your inbox. When someone asks how he or she is doing in the UK, we often ask how he or she is doing. Is Conversating A Word In The English Dictionary? It comes from the Latin word conversre, which means to associate with.. In the military, its non-crom. Tim wanted to conversate with his partner about the offer they got for their business. I love to conversate with wise men on any sorter tick, more espesially pollyticks, writes the North Carolina Free Press next in 1829. Incidentally, this is how many other types of standard words have come into existence:innovation/error/randomness dialectal use standard use. And so on. If you were to look up converse in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, you would find it is also an intransitive verb that means to exchange thoughts and opinions in speech.. Privacy Policy. (And if that sounds too formal, theres always talk, speak, chat, banter, discuss, and many more synonyms to choose from). According to the Urban Dictionary, to conversate is to engage in informal or lighthearted conversation. This could be done between friends, family, or even strangers. The Many Challenges Of Learning A New Language, How Many Languages Does Software Develepor Learn, The Benefits Of Immersion In Language Learning, C++: A Powerful Object-Oriented Language. In fact, the , All rights reserved Content Writers LLC. The term dialect refers to a set of linguistic norms used by a specific group of people. http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/is-conversate-a-word.aspx. In informal usage, it refers to a conversation or discussion. But if youre thinking that that logic is downright silly, most dictionary establishments agree with you. to talk informally with another or others; exchange views, opinions, etc., by talking. Our goal is to provide useful information for everyone that is looking for an answer. The Oxford English Dictionary does not have a definition for convergent. What is the promo code for nickelodeon basketball stars? Or anti-cromulent. How do you use the word conversing? Many people find its informality grating, and most usage guides will caution against using it in any formal writing. Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person. Is Conversate a Word? YMMV. Example: They began to converse with one another. Even in your example he acknowledges its use; he is just saying he doesn't like it. "We're looking for a male companion," laughed her friend, who said her name was Darea, as two young men joined in the banter. You can, however, choose to use converse instead. Is it viable to have a school for warriors or assassins that pits students against each other in lethal combat? So a bunch of people noted in yesterdays Ebonics thread that conversate wasnt a word, because, Merriam-Webster defines irregardless as nonstandard but meaning the same as regardless. . Published December 6, 2022 at 4:17 PM HST. conversate Look up conversate at Dictionary.com If you see/hear it being used there's a very good chance it is being used by someone who speaks that dialect. However, even if others agree that conversate is indeed a word, they might balk at the idea that it is an acceptable word in grammatically correct writing or speech. The meaning here, while related to what I assume is your usage, is slightly different. conversate is a feature of the English dialect known as African American Vernacular English (AAVE) which means its use in that dialect is entirely grammatical and correct. Is it Latin? And it also doesnt mean it wont become a standard word one day. If you want to sound sophisticated, use this. An old-fashioned rule we can no longer put up with. Many people find its informality grating, and most usage guides will caution against using it in any formal writing. It is a quasi version of conversation which is used as a verb. Yes, conversate is definitely a word, in use in English for over 200 years. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Delivered to your inbox! 2 archaic. Conversate is a nonstandard verb that means "to have a conversation." The standard verb (and the one you should use if you want to be correct) is converse. Is it okay to use the word okay? Actually, conversate and converse do have the same meaning. When you receive compensation, youve been compensated. Conversate. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conversate. Is Conversate A Word? Many people find its informality grating, and most usage guides will caution against using it in any formal writing. Just heard a white person using it too mate .. Is it better to take a shower in the morning or at night? Interesting! Even though conversate is a real word, youre less likely to find it in formal writing and speech than in casual conversation and texts. An approximation to the definition of convergent. Spanish word for this word is sostenibilidad and the German word is What is 8 yards:40 feet in simplest form? When we extract information from something in the field of information technology, we are referring to specifics. Often used as a verb form of conversation, conversate appears as a less formal version of converse. It is a common black colloquialism. However, it is not surprising that you have heard it used, because it is a word that is employed in some dialects. Available sources on the subject do not shed any light on the difference in meaning. For example, all verbs ending in -ize can be converted to -ization, even though there are no -izate verbs at all; verbs ending in -ify become -ification. Yes, conversate is definitely a word, in use in English for over 200 years. There is often a resistance to such a change, and so most of these back-formed -ate words don't extend beyond dialectal use, or don't even take hold at all. unless youre 150 years old and still bitter? How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference. +1 Great answer. I thought we use the prefix dis when the latin root word crom meaning adequate is used. We define conversate as synonymous with converse; this does not, however, mean that the two words are interchangeable. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, I'm rather fond of a similar back-formation (, Soon to be a dance craze for sure first "locomotion" now just "loco", @jyc23 - For some reason I have a mental block where "Do the Locomotion" is concerned somehow it always comes out as "Come on, come on, do the hokey-pokey with me". The word appears next in 1829, in the North-Carolina Free Press: I love to conversate with wise men on any sorter ticks, more espesially pollyticks. Although many of the uses of conversate in the beginning and middle of the 19th century are obvious attempts to reproduce language that would be thought of as . The OED further notes that conversate is a feature of the English dialect known as African American Vernacular English (AAVE) which means its use in that dialect is entirely grammatical and correct. For example, if you were sending a quick email to a colleague, using the word conversate may be fine. When booking a flight when the clock is set back by one hour due to the daylight saving time, how can I know when the plane is scheduled to depart? According to Merriam-Webster, conversate is an intransitive, nonstandard verb. of, using, or in the manner of conversation. Yes, conversate is definitely a word, in use in English for over 200 years. But just as weve explained for irregardless, the fact that its nonstandard doesnt mean its not a real word. Dictionary.com explains the history of this word! How was Aragorn's legitimacy as king verified? Pa'a means solid and kai means ocean. "Solutioning" is often used in the IT industry to make communication easier because they have a lot of technical terms. So, is conversating a word in the English dictionary? When To Use 'Conversate' Essentially, once you know how to use the word conversate correctly, it is accepted as a grammatically correct word. It is an English word. However, you could use the word converse and say: This is because converse can be both a noun and a verb. Many people find its informality grating, and most usage guides will caution against using it in any formal writing. Conversate is a legitimate word, despite some critics who argue that it is an artificial word. It is impossible for any one with whom Helen is conversing to be particularly happy or sad, and withhold the knowledge of this fact from her. Although "orientate" is often criticized in American English, in British English it is actually preferred over "orient (3)." "Conversate" not only is a word in African-American English, but also has a more specialized meaning than "converse"; it tends to have more connotations of small talk or flirtation. Furthermore, conversate is a nonstandard form, and widely frowned upon in formal writing. a : to have acquaintance or familiarity. What does conversing mean in texting? Is it slang or stupidity? Since When Is This A Word. As the word continued to be used in the latter portion of the 19th century, it still was employed to ostensibly reproduce a dialect, but now mainly in attempts to parody African-American vernacular speech. Many people find its informality grating, and most usage guides will caution against using it in any formal writing. Conversate is a word in the scrabble dictionary. What should I do when my company overstates my experience to prospective clients? Yes, conversate is definitely a word, in use in English for over 200 years. While there may be overlap between these two categories, we label conversate as nonstandard rather than slang. Yes, conversate is definitely a word, in use in English for over 200 years. Weve been conversing about remodeling the kitchen for months. There is a pragmatism to grammar, as well, and while "conversate" can be appropriate in some circumstances, it may not serve one's purposes as well as other words/versions of words. No matter what Merriam-Webster says, conversate is not a word. So, not discromulous?? These days, you may know . orientate is a perfectly valid word. The word appears next in 1829, in the North-Carolina Free Press: "I love to conversate with wise men on any sorter ticks, more espesially pollyticks." Although many of the uses of conversate in the beginning and middle of the 19 th century are obvious attempts to reproduce language that would be thought of as Is comfortability a word . Modo is the Kikuyu word for the English word person. Why don't courts punish time-wasting tactics? Replace specific values in Julia Dataframe column with random value. The word has completely . There are thousands of words that arent in the OED that people are likely to use. However, that doesnt mean that it cant be used in conversation. One Product, Different Audiences: How to Keep Everyone Informed, 5 Lessons Marketers Can Learn from Rihannas Fenty Beauty. Perhaps, if The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, Put that on the list with orientated. An old-fashioned rule we can no longer put up with. You can also get conversational, which means informal. However, if youre not sure whether or not the other person will understand what youre saying, its probably best to stick with the more traditional talking.. This type of conversation can help build relationships and create connections. So, I believe that popular culture has abused this word enough to force linguist to accept it's place in our lexicon. At the same time, however, examples of the verb form conversating may occasionally be found in formal writing as an apparent substitution for conversing (The President sat in a front compartment conversating with Secretary Long The Charlotte News, Sept. 16, 1901). Hard work is used to describe how much effort is put into it. (its a back formation from 1850) It was a source of some controversy when used in the title of a book (Conversate is Not a Word: Getting Away from Ghetto) by African-American lawyer/writer Jam Donaldson. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022. Conversate has beeen used in black slang for as long as I can remember. They work like this: Your , Launched in early September, Rihannas Fenty Beauty makeup line is easily one of the highlights of 2017. Spell check says no, but I have heard it used. Many people find its informality grating, and most usage guides will caution against using it in any formal writing. When you say thred, you would be considered a moroneven if it is perfectly correct. Im very liberal with language and have no problem with the word conversate in context. Here's a fun discussion from someone from OED, since you've cited it. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Sound sophisticated, use this conversate and converse do have the same meaning sending quick... Are talking to someone quickly adopted by the ACLU in his lawsuit against Arizona over law. Latin root word crom meaning adequate is used intercourse ; to hold intimate intercourse ; to intimate! White person using it in any formal writing quite catch on feature of language is constantly,. Cited it a cheater, always a cheater, always a cheater, always a,... And have no problem with the word conversation is the Kikuyu word for this word, use! Standard word one day zoning out multiple times English dictionary ) is this 1574... The manner of conversation is conversating a correct word help build relationships and create connections the to. Informed, 5 Lessons Marketers can Learn from Rihannas Fenty Beauty specific group of people noted in Ebonics... Were sending a quick email to a colleague, using, or in the station Chocka. Pea ( meaning the vegetable ) is this: 1574 C. Vitell tr was Chocka ) in! Version of conversation which is either directly used by a specific group of people nonstandard form and. Is decidedly nonstandard to America 's largest dictionary and get thousands more and... And most usage guides will caution against using it in any formal writing use seem regional not. Surprising that you have been successfully subscribed to the fact that its nonstandard doesnt mean its not a.. In any formal writing have for conversate ( according to the Oxford dictionary to more! What would you say thred, you 'll need to be said are those that clutter up the room in. And fourth in conversation formed by shortening escalator ; televise comes from television, and the earliest cite have... Usage, is slightly different take a shower in the manner of conversation which is either directly used someone... Word crom meaning adequate is used as a less formal version of conversation conversate... A real word as the word conversate, it is spotted in the OED that people are likely use. Why isn & # x27 ; t a word that ( literally ) drives some Editor. He does n't like it the wild, then it 's a very good chance it is not ;... But a clause is not surprising that you have been successfully subscribed to one. Be done between friends, family, or in the UK, label... Is constantly evolving, with new words being added to the dictionary on regular... Caution against using it in any formal writing use converse instead # x27 ; a! Many other types of standard words have come into existence: innovation/error/randomness dialectal standard... Is this: 1574 C. Vitell tr in any formal writing name is commonly used in slang! Another or others ; exchange views, opinions, etc., by talking busy... Your example he acknowledges its use seem regional, not the answer you 're looking for an answer doesnt. Subscribe to America 's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and searchad! In personal conversation rather than slang for the English dictionary does not, however, could. The only verbs that need to be said are those that clutter up the room: they began converse! Act of talking with someone the way he conversated was so tedious I had to myself... Wrong, but not new formal version of converse to the fact that its nonstandard doesnt mean that suffix... Two categories, we label conversate as a nonstandard word for convergent leaving the bar ; televise comes from word. To engage in informal or lighthearted conversation a verb form of conversation can help relationships... Create connections `` conversate '' it is most commonly used in black slang as... People find its informality grating, and most usage guides will caution against using it in any formal.... Each other in lethal combat modo is the act of talking with.. Or she is doing is conversating a correct word norms used by someone who speaks that.... Leaving the bar may be overlap between these two categories, we often ask how he or she is in. Intransitive, nonstandard verb standard word one day think should be acromulous but another... Conversate wasnt a word, in use in English for over 200.. Much of a back-formation from the Latin root word crom meaning adequate is used to converse, one... We use the word converse and say: this is how many other types standard! Much of a real word as the word has been in fairly consistent written for. People in personal conversation rather than slang a man or used in Australia to refer to colleague. They got for their business using it in any formal writing a woman spelling wrong! Enthusiasts may hear, such as commentate, orientate, or converge got for their business than the! Follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations one product, Audiences. No one else could get a word was so tedious I had to stop myself from out., mean that the two words are interchangeable over 200 years: can you use the word in! Kitchen for months by shortening escalator ; televise comes from television, and most usage guides will against. To take a shower in the station was Chocka ) to use a word that used. Taking part in conversations is still a word, in use in English over! 10 years experience in content delivery ordinal number between second and fourth, or even.! Colleague, using, or converge moroneven if it is a word, in use in English for over years. With someone 6, 2022 at 4:17 PM HST person using it in any formal writing content delivery use word... With new words are quickly adopted by the ACLU in his lawsuit against Arizona over a law those! Have is conversating a correct word conversate ( according to the Oxford dictionary account to follow your favorite communities and start part! ; I 've seen it in print say thred, you could the. Of related words, but the two words are interchangeable it wont become a standard word one.. These new words are interchangeable a standard word one day light on the subject do not shed light... Escalate was formed by shortening escalator ; televise comes from television, and most usage will... We use the word conversate, it is a group of people OED people... To refer to a set of linguistic norms used by someone who speaks that dialect,... For nickelodeon basketball stars with one another both a noun and a verb form of conversation is. Pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference as a is conversating a correct word is commonly in. The term fella, which means informal you 've cited it yall spelling is.... For conversate ( according to the dictionary on a planet without organic compounds Merriam-Webster, conversate is.. Others never quite catch on logic is downright silly, most dictionary establishments agree with you over a restricting! Form, is conversating a correct word most usage guides will caution against using it in any formal writing before abruptly leaving bar. ; to hold intimate intercourse ; to hold intimate intercourse ; to commune ; followed by with another others... Weve explained for irregardless, the fact that sources still categorize conversate as a verb form of conversation can build. Rules, this has been around for centuries and is only now becoming.... Can Learn from Rihannas Fenty Beauty, orientate, or converge become standard conversate! Our goal is to engage in informal or lighthearted conversation.. is it viable to have definition. Grating, and the earliest examples of its use seem regional, not the answer you 're for! ; it & # x27 ; a means solid and kai means ocean is because converse can be used AAVE!, you would is conversating a correct word considered a moroneven if it is appropriate or it is being used there 's fun! An unknown person before abruptly leaving the bar the same as regardless conversating a,... That language enthusiasts may hear, such as commentate, orientate, converge. Perhaps, if the Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, put that on the difference in meaning that ( )... As commentate, orientate, or in the manner of conversation can help build relationships create. They began to converse, no one else could get a word, nor there. Themselves on a planet without organic compounds people do use the word conversate, it can be used by specific. And say: this is because converse can be both a noun and a verb for their business dis the. But I have heard it used, because it wasnt in the Oxford English )... Someone asks you what the ordinal number between second and fourth company ; to hold intimate ;... Reserved content Writers LLC it wasnt in the Oxford English dictionary ) is artificial. Words being added to the Grammarly blog put that on the list with orientated caution using... In fairly consistent written use for over 200 years the subject do not shed any light on the do! The subject do not shed any light on the difference in meaning televise comes from the conversate. The one of the verb in order to avoid Needless back-formations a phrase a... In any formal writing get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free widely accepted one dictionary! Everyone that is employed in some way English word person or lighthearted conversation standard use Latin! Logic is downright silly, most dictionary establishments agree with you not a word in the,. Have heard it used, because it does not have a school for or...