converse

Everyday

1. (verb, formal) To converse is to talk with someone, have a conversation. tree →
2. (noun) The converse is the opposite or the reverse of something. tree →
3. (maths and logic) The converse of a statement «if A, then B» is «if B, then A». tree →

In the lessons

As a verb it is a formal or old-fashioned way of saying «talk» or «chat», found in books. In maths and logic the converse swaps the two parts of an «if… then» statement, and the converse of a true statement is not always true. Phrases: converse with, the converse is also true.

Examples

• The two old friends conversed quietly by the fire. tree →
• We tried to converse in French on holiday. tree →
• Some people are shy; the converse is true of my sister. tree →
• «If it is a square, it has four sides.» The converse, «If it has four sides, it is a square», is false. tree →
• The queen conversed with the guests at dinner. tree →
• Hot water rises; the converse happens with cold water. tree →
• They conversed together for some time, and then the Thief suddenly yawned and howled like a wolf. tree →

Note

Stress: verb con-VERSE, noun and adjective CON-verse. Related: conversation, conversely («in the opposite way»). Maths trap: a statement can be true while its converse is false — always check with an example (a rectangle has four sides but is not a square).

In Jewish tradition

Here it means secret talk or plotting, and in Job the close friendship of God with a person.

Interpretation. Job longs for the days when God's closeness was like a protecting presence over his tent.

Examples

• They hold crafty converse against Thy people, and take counsel against Thy treasured ones. (Writings PSA.83.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• As I was in the days of my youth, when the converse of God was upon my tent; (Writings JOB.29.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• They encourage one another in an evil matter; they converse of laying snares secretly; they ask, who would see them. (Writings PSA.64.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Stress: verb con-VERSE, noun and adjective CON-verse. Related: conversation, conversely («in the opposite way»). Maths trap: a statement can be true while its converse is false — always check with an example (a rectangle has four sides but is not a square).