converse
UK/kən'vɜːs/US/kәn'vә:s/
TOEFLGREB2
Definitions
v.
To engage in conversation; to talk with someone.
交谈，谈话。
n.
The opposite or reverse of a statement or fact.
相反的事物；逆命题。
adj.
Opposite or reversed.
相反的；颠倒的。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcon- (together) + vers (turn) gives two branches. As a verb (con-VERSE), people 'turn together' in talk — converse. As a noun/adjective (CON-verse), it means the reverse: an idea turned the other way round, 'the converse is also true.' Stress separates the two meanings.
Root vers still carries 91 more wordsUsage Guide
Stress and meaning split: con-VERSE (verb) = to talk; CON-verse (noun/adj) = the opposite. 'The converse is true' has nothing to do with talking — it means the reverse statement holds.
Example Sentences
- 1.
They conversed quietly in the corner of the room.
- 2.
If sales rise, costs fall; the converse is also true.
- 3.
The two outcomes are converse to each other.