Discussion vs. Conversation — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 27, 2023
A discussion is typically structured, often involving exchange of ideas or debates, while a conversation is usually informal, involving general or personal topics and may not seek resolution or consensus.
Difference Between Discussion and Conversation
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A discussion usually involves a deliberate exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular subject, often with the objective of exploring solutions or reaching an agreement. In contrast, a conversation typically involves informal talk between two or more people, exchanging information or ideas without any fixed objective or structure.
Discussions are often characterized by a focused and structured approach, dealing with specific topics or issues, and may involve debate, argumentation, and analysis. On the other hand, conversations are more spontaneous and free-flowing, covering a wide range of topics, and are not necessarily aimed at resolution or consensus.
In discussions, participants usually have clear and distinct viewpoints and may seek to persuade others, reaching a mutual understanding or agreement. Conversations, however, are typically more about sharing and receiving information, thoughts, and feelings, without a pressing need to convince the other party.
Discussions can be formal or informal but are usually more goal-oriented, seeking to clarify, inform, solve a problem, or settle a dispute. Whereas, conversations are usually informal and can be both goal-oriented or casual, serving to establish or maintain social relationships and mutual understanding.
The tone and pace of a discussion are often dictated by the subject matter and the intended outcome, possibly being more intense and focused. In contrast, conversations generally have a more relaxed and natural pace, allowing for more flexibility and shifts in topics, and are usually more about connection and mutual engagement.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Structure
Typically more structured
Usually informal and more free-flowing
Objective
Often seeks resolution, consensus, or understanding
May not have a specific objective or seek resolution
Topics
Specific and focused
Diverse and can shift easily
Formality
Can be formal or informal
Typically informal
Interaction Style
May involve debate and argumentation
More about sharing and receiving information and feelings
Compare with Definitions
Discussion
A discussion is a structured conversation focusing on a specific topic.
The discussion about environmental policies was enlightening.
Conversation
Conversation aims to establish or maintain social relationships.
Regular conversation with friends can strengthen bonds.
Discussion
A discussion may be characterized by debate and argumentation.
The discussion evolved into a heated debate over human rights.
Conversation
A conversation can cover diverse topics and be free-flowing.
The conversation meandered from movies to books to travel experiences.
Discussion
Discussion involves exchange of ideas or opinions.
The team had a productive discussion about the project’s direction.
Conversation
A conversation is an informal exchange of ideas or information between people.
Their conversation over coffee was lighthearted and enjoyable.
Discussion
Discussion seeks to explore solutions or reach an agreement.
Through intense discussion, they resolved the longstanding issue.
Conversation
A conversation can be both casual and serious.
The casual conversation gradually became a serious discussion about life goals.
Discussion
The action or process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas
The EC directive is currently under discussion
The committee acts as a forum for discussion
Conversation
Conversation is interactive communication between two or more people. The development of conversational skills and etiquette is an important part of socialization.
Discussion
Consideration of a subject by a group; an earnest conversation.
Conversation
A talk, especially an informal one, between two or more people, in which news and ideas are exchanged
She picked up the phone and held a conversation in French
The two men were deep in conversation
Discussion
A formal discourse on a topic; an exposition.
Conversation
The exchange of thoughts and feelings by means of speech or sign language
Gifted in the art of conversation.
Discussion
Conversation or debate concerning a particular topic.
There was then a long discussion of whether to capitalize words like "east".
This topic is not open to discussion.
My discussion with the professor was very enlightening.
Conversation
An instance of this
Held a long conversation on the subject.
Discussion
Text giving further detail on a subject.
Under each heading, you will find a discussion.
Conversation
Expression and exchange of individual ideas through talking with other people; also, a set instance or occasion of such talking.
I had an interesting conversation with Nicolas yesterday about how much he's getting paid.
Discussion
The dispersion of a tumour.
Conversation
(fencing) The back-and-forth play of the blades in a bout.
Discussion
The act or process of discussing by breaking up, or dispersing, as a tumor, or the like.
Conversation
The protocol-based interaction between systems processing a transaction.
Discussion
The act of discussing or exchanging reasons; examination by argument; debate; disputation; agitation.
The liberty of discussion is the great safeguard of all other liberties.
Conversation
(obsolete) Interaction; commerce or intercourse with other people; dealing with others.
Discussion
An extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic;
The book contains an excellent discussion of modal logic
His treatment of the race question is badly biased
Conversation
(archaic) Behaviour, the way one conducts oneself; a person's way of life.
Discussion
An exchange of views on some topic;
We had a good discussion
We had a word or two about it
Conversation
(obsolete) Sexual intercourse.
Criminal conversation
Discussion
Discussion is often goal-oriented and seeks to inform or clarify.
The panel discussion aimed to inform the public about health and wellness.
Conversation
(obsolete) Engagement with a specific subject, idea, field of study etc.
Conversation
To engage in conversation (with).
Conversation
General course of conduct; behavior.
Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel.
Conversation
Familiar intercourse; intimate fellowship or association; close acquaintance.
I set down, out of long experience in business and much conversation in books, what I thought pertinent to this business.
Conversation
Commerce; intercourse; traffic.
All traffic and mutual conversation.
Conversation
Colloquial discourse; oral interchange of sentiments and observations; informal dialogue.
The influence exercised by his [Johnson's] conversation was altogether without a parallel.
Conversation
Sexual intercourse; as, criminal conversation.
Conversation
The use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
Conversation
Conversation involves talking and listening between two or more individuals.
The pleasant conversation helped them understand each other better.
Common Curiosities
Can conversations have specific objectives?
Yes, while conversations can be casual, they can also be goal-oriented, seeking to inform or resolve issues.
Does a discussion always involve disagreement or debate?
No, discussions can be explorative and informative, without necessarily involving disagreement or debate.
What is the primary aim of a discussion?
A discussion primarily aims to explore solutions, reach an agreement, or gain a deeper understanding of specific topics.
Is every discussion a form of conversation?
Yes, a discussion is a type of conversation, typically more structured and focused on specific topics or goals.
Can a discussion be casual?
Yes, while discussions are often structured and focused, they can also be informal and casual.
Can conversations lead to discussions?
Yes, informal conversations can evolve into more structured and focused discussions on specific topics.
Is a discussion always formal?
No, discussions can occur in both formal and informal settings and can vary in level of formality.
Does a discussion always seek resolution?
While discussions often aim for resolution or understanding, they don’t always achieve it, and some discussions are primarily explorative.
Can a conversation be structured?
While conversations are typically informal and free-flowing, they can have structure, especially in formal settings.
Is the tone always relaxed in a conversation?
While conversations often have a relaxed tone, they can become serious or intense, depending on the subject matter and participants' perspectives.
Can discussions and conversations occur simultaneously?
Yes, a conversation can include elements of a discussion and vice versa, blending informal exchange with focused exploration of topics.
Can a conversation be formal?
Yes, conversations can be formal, especially in professional or official settings, where specific norms and protocols are observed.
Can a discussion occur between just two people?
Yes, a discussion can occur between two people or involve multiple participants.
Can a conversation include debates and arguments?
Yes, conversations can include debates and arguments, especially when participants have differing viewpoints.
Can conversations occur in professional settings?
Absolutely, conversations occur in professional settings and can range from casual chats to more formal dialogues.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Sustainable vs. Unsustainable
Next Comparison
Corner vs. VertexAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
