Conversances

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The states of being familiar or knowledgeable about a subject; the acts of engaging in informal spoken exchanges; conditions of intimate or frequent association with people or ideas
2. Familiarity through experience or study; interactive verbal communication or discussions; relationships marked by close acquaintance or habitual contact
3. The quality of having practical understanding or expertise; participation in dialogue or casual talk; situations involving close personal or social interaction

Etymology: "Conversances" is simply the plural of "conversance," so its history is that of the singular noun. The singular "conversance" comes from the Old French "conversance," which in turn descends from the Latin "conversari," meaning to live among or associate with, a verb built from "com-" (together) and "versari" (to turn or dwell). The original idea was therefore living alongside people, which is why the word carries senses about close acquaintance and familiarity with a subject or practice, not just talk.

Synonyms: familiarities, acquaintanceships, associations

Antonyms: ignorances