Communication vs. Conversation — What's the Difference?

The act of transmitting information, ideas, or feelings.

An informal talk involving two or more people, where thoughts, feelings, and ideas are exchanged.

The use of signals or written messages to convey a message.

An exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular issue, especially a political or religious one, with a view to reaching an amicable agreement or settlement.

The process by which individuals exchange information through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.

An interactive communication between two or more parties.

Any means of connecting with others.

A spoken exchange of news, information, or ideas.

The dissemination of information through public media.

A dialogue or discussion to resolve an issue.

Communication (from Latin communicare, meaning "to share"or "to be in relation with") is "an apparent answer to the painful divisions between self and other, private and public, and inner thought and outer word." As this definition indicates, communication is difficult to define in a consistent manner, because it is commonly used to refer to a wide range of different behaviors (broadly: "the transfer of information"), or to limit what can be included in the category of communication (for example, requiring a "conscious intent" to persuade). John Peters argues the difficulty of defining communication emerges from the fact that communication is both a universal phenomena (because everyone communicates), and a specific discipline of institutional academic study.One possible definition of communication is the act of developing meaning among entities or groups through the use of sufficiently mutually understood signs, symbols, and semiotic conventions.

Conversation is interactive communication between two or more people. The development of conversational skills and etiquette is an important part of socialization.

The act of communicating; transmission.

A talk, especially an informal one, between two or more people, in which news and ideas are exchanged

The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior.

The exchange of thoughts and feelings by means of speech or sign language

Interpersonal rapport.

An instance of this

The art and technique of using words effectively to impart information or ideas.

Expression and exchange of individual ideas through talking with other people; also, a set instance or occasion of such talking.

The field of study concerned with the transmission of information by various means, such as print or broadcasting.

(fencing) The back-and-forth play of the blades in a bout.

Any of various professions involved with the transmission of information, such as advertising, broadcasting, or journalism.

The protocol-based interaction between systems processing a transaction.

Something communicated; a message.

(obsolete) Interaction; commerce or intercourse with other people; dealing with others.

A system, such as mail, telephone, or television, for sending and receiving messages.

(archaic) Behaviour, the way one conducts oneself; a person's way of life.

A network of routes for sending messages and transporting troops and supplies.

(obsolete) Engagement with a specific subject, idea, field of study etc.

Communications The technology employed in transmitting messages.

To engage in conversation (with).

(Biology) The transfer of information from one molecule, cell, or organism to another, as by chemical or electrical signals or by behaviors.

General course of conduct; behavior.

An opening or connecting passage between two structures.

Familiar intercourse; intimate fellowship or association; close acquaintance.

A joining or connecting of solid fibrous structures, such as tendons and nerves.

Commerce; intercourse; traffic.

The act or fact of communicating anything; transmission.

Colloquial discourse; oral interchange of sentiments and observations; informal dialogue.

(uncountable) The concept or state of exchanging data or information between entities.

The use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

A message; the essential data transferred in an act of communication.

The body of all data transferred to one or both parties during an act of communication.

An instance of information transfer; a conversation or discourse.

A passageway or opening between two locations; connection.

(anatomy) A connection between two tissues, organs, or cavities.

(obsolete) Association; company.

Participation in Holy Communion.

(rhetoric) A trope by which a speaker assumes that his hearer is a partner in his sentiments, and says "we" instead of "I" or "you".

The act or fact of communicating; as, communication of smallpox; communication of a secret.

Intercourse by words, letters, or messages; interchange of thoughts or opinions, by conference or other means; conference; correspondence.

Association; company.

Means of communicating; means of passing from place to place; a connecting passage; connection.

That which is communicated or imparted; intelligence; news; a verbal or written message.

Participation in the Lord's supper.

A trope, by which a speaker assumes that his hearer is a partner in his sentiments, and says we, instead of I or you.

The activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information;

Something that is communicated by or to or between people or groups

A connection allowing access between persons or places;

Communication is the broad process of exchanging information, while conversation is a specific form of communication that involves verbal exchange between people.

Not all forms of communication are conversations; communication can also include non-verbal, written, and digital exchanges, whereas conversations are specifically verbal exchanges.

Communication skills like listening, understanding non-verbal cues, and clarity in speaking are crucial for engaging in effective and meaningful conversations.

In communication, feedback helps to clarify and ensure the message is understood, while in conversation, immediate feedback is essential for the interactive and dynamic flow of dialogue.

No, a conversation is a form of communication and inherently involves the exchange of information.

Digital platforms have expanded the means of communication, facilitating both asynchronous and synchronous exchanges, and have enabled conversations to occur across distances with tools like messaging apps and video calls.

A good conversation is characterized by active engagement, mutual understanding, and a dynamic exchange, beyond the simple transmission of information.

Yes, listening is equally important as it ensures understanding and effective exchange of information.

By practicing active listening, being mindful of non-verbal cues, and engaging in diverse topics of conversation.

While traditionally conversation refers to verbal exchanges, in the digital age, written exchanges through messaging platforms can also embody the interactive and dynamic nature of conversations.

Non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, play a crucial role in conveying emotions and intentions, enriching the communication process.

The context, including the environment and relationship between the parties, influences the tone, formality, and content of the communication and conversation.

Empathy allows individuals to understand and relate to others' feelings and perspectives, fostering deeper and more meaningful conversations.

Yes, through non-verbal communication such as gestures or visual aids, individuals can exchange basic information without a common language.