Podcast Summary: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day — "Conversant"

Date: December 16, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski (for Merriam-Webster)
Episode Theme:
A detailed exploration of the word "conversant," its meaning, usage, etymology, and the nuances that distinguish it from similar terms.

Overview

This episode of Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day introduces and unpacks the adjective "conversant". The host delves into its definition, provides context for its usage, shares an illustrative quote from the New York Times, examines its etymological roots, and notes shifts in meaning over time. The episode concludes with clarifications on related terms and contemporary usage, especially in the context of language proficiency.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Definition and Spelling

• "Conversant" is spelled:
  C-O-N-V-E-R-S-A-N-T
• It is an adjective, most often found in the phrase "conversant with".

2. Core Meaning and Usage

• Meaning:
  Describes someone who has knowledge of, or experience with, something.
  • Example: "writers, producers, and crew members already conversant with that audience's expectations." [00:42]
• Usage Contexts:
  • Conversant with issues
  • Conversant with technology
  • Conversant in several languages (though this usage is noted as more frequent in US English)

3. Etymology and History

• Both "conversant" and "conversational" stem from the Latin verb conversari, meaning "to associate with." [01:10]
• Historical meanings:
  • Middle Ages: "having familiar association"
  • 19th century: "relating to or suggesting conversation" (this sense mainly stayed with "conversational")
• Modern: The word evolved towards "familiarity or knowledge," differing from conversational, which implies "the manner of speaking."

4. Contemporary Usage and Regional Notes

• In American English, "conversant" is sometimes used to refer to being able to speak foreign languages, e.g.,
  • "She is conversant in several languages."
• More commonly, it's about general familiarity or expertise, e.g.,
  • "Conversant with the issues. [01:52]"

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Illustrative Sentence from the New York Times:

  "These shows benefit from name recognition and a dedicated audience, as well as writers, producers, and crew members already conversant with that audience's expectations."
  — [00:42], quoted by Peter Sokolowski

• Word Origin Explained:

  "The adjectives conversant and conversational both descend from the Latin verb conversari, meaning to associate with."
  — [01:10], Peter Sokolowski

• Clarification on Modern Usage:

  "Today, conversant is sometimes used, especially in the United States, with the meaning 'able to talk in a foreign language', as in she is conversant in several languages, but it's more often associated with knowledge or familiarity, as in conversant with the issues."
  — [01:52], Peter Sokolowski

Key Timestamps

• 00:42 — Introduction of the word, example sentence, and initial definition
• 01:10 — Explanation of etymology and word history
• 01:52 — Discussion on modern and regional usage
• 02:18 — Episode wrap-up

Tone and Language

This episode maintains a formal, informative, and slightly academic tone typical of Merriam-Webster’s educational content. The host, Peter Sokolowski, speaks clearly, providing succinct definitions, well-chosen examples, and accessible explanations.

Summary Takeaway

By the end of the episode, listeners will understand that "conversant" means being knowledgeable or familiar with a topic, with roots in association and conversation, and should be distinguished from simply being skilled at speaking (as implied by "conversational"). Its most precise usage focuses on expertise, with a nod to its occasional use in language proficiency.