highbrow conversations

USAGE SUMMARY

'highbrow conversations' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use the phrase to describe conversations that involve complex topics. For example, "My family has deep, meaningful, highbrow conversations at our Sunday dinners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Village promised the same combination of alcohol, sex, jazz, and highbrow conversation.

The New Yorker

His conversation is an odd mixture of highbrow dissertation and ironic wit, punctuated by the occasional intervention of chatshow-host cheese.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A champion of independent, low-budget cinema, Kaufman is known for being a tad eccentric but conversation with him is also distinctly more highbrow than one would expect, and I'm not just saying that because he gave me Citizen Toxie: The Toxic Avenger IV on DVD. .

Vice

To the outsider, some of his descriptions of conversations with colleagues and superiors will have a surprisingly highbrow tone.

Forbes

This wasn't the avowed focus of the WWW conference, which had the title "intellectual jazz". It felt instead like a highbrow talk-show program, in which Wurman participated in a series of divergent conversations, each roughly 40 minutes in length, among two or more people, all of whom represented some the most important contributors to their fields.

HuffPost

Mr Polito told the New York Times that he came up with the idea for the discussion panel, which will be moderated by David Remnick, the editor of the New Yorker magazine, after conversations with writers like Michael Ondaatje and Peter Carey revealed that Mr Dylan tended to be a shared fascination whenever highbrow types get together.

The Guardian

Lowbrow, highbrow.

The Guardian - Books

Only not so — highbrow".

The New Yorker

We are very highbrow.

The New Yorker

But fear not, highbrow cinephiles.

The New York Times

A highbrow wannabe?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "highbrow conversations" to describe discussions that involve complex topics, intellectual arguments, or sophisticated cultural references. It's effective when you want to convey a sense of elevated intellect or refined taste.

Common error

Avoid using "highbrow conversations" in casual or everyday scenarios. It can sound pretentious if applied to simple or trivial discussions. Opt for simpler terms like "interesting talks" or "engaging chats" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highbrow conversations" functions as a descriptor, modifying the noun "conversations" to indicate a specific quality: intellectual sophistication. Ludwig highlights that the phrase describes sophisticated or intellectual discussions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "highbrow conversations" is a grammatically sound descriptor for sophisticated or intellectual discussions. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is appropriate for describing discussions involving complex topics and elevated cultural references. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, suggesting a formal to neutral register. While useful, it's important to consider the context to avoid sounding pretentious in informal settings. Alternative phrases like "intellectual discussions" or "sophisticated dialogues" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual discussions

Focuses specifically on the intellectual content of the conversations.

sophisticated dialogues

Emphasizes the refined and cultured nature of the conversations.

erudite exchanges

Highlights the knowledgeable and scholarly aspect of the conversations.

academic discussions

Suggests conversations occurring in an academic setting or related to scholarly topics.

refined discussions

Focuses on the elegance and good taste exhibited during the conversations.

intelligent debates

Highlights the presence of thoughtful arguments and counterarguments.

cultured dialogues

Emphasizes the exposure to arts and humanities reflected in the conversations.

brainy exchanges

An informal way to describe intellectually stimulating conversations.

learned conversations

Stresses the depth of knowledge and experience involved in the discussions.

deep discussions

Suggests conversations that delve into complex and profound topics.

FAQs

How can I use "highbrow conversations" in a sentence?

You can use "highbrow conversations" to describe scenarios where discussions are intellectual, sophisticated, and often involve complex or academic subjects. For example: "The literary salon was known for its stimulating "highbrow conversations".".

What is the difference between "highbrow conversations" and "intellectual discussions"?

"Highbrow conversations" often imply a level of cultural refinement and sophistication in addition to intellectual content, whereas "intellectual discussions" primarily focus on the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

Are there synonyms for "highbrow conversations" that I can use?

Yes, you can use synonyms such as "sophisticated dialogues", "erudite exchanges", or "academic discussions" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "highbrow conversations"?

It is appropriate to use "highbrow conversations" when describing discussions that are elevated, refined, and involve complex or specialized knowledge, especially within academic, artistic, or literary circles.