thoroughly conversant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly conversant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is very knowledgeable or well-informed about a particular subject or topic. Example: "She is thoroughly conversant with the latest developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The ancient language of Geʿez had by now lost its vigour and became a liturgical language in which few people were thoroughly conversant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Translations of the great Greek and Roman authors were read as avidly as the newspapers, and every man of quality made it his business to be thoroughly conversant with the principles of Classic architecture.

The Architecture of England From Norman Times to the Present Day

Thoroughly conversant with Latin and Greek writers, a competent textual critic, and a prolific composer of Latin verse, Scaliger was chiefly interested in developing an understanding and critical evaluation of the ancients.

Britannica

March 26 2015 A rough-and-ready tenor player thoroughly conversant with the formative styles of the swing-to-bop saxophone masters, Tabackin is also a silken-toned flutist with a virtuosic bent.

The New Yorker

He began writing short stories, one of which, Rashomon, was published in a university magazine when he was 17. Thoroughly conversant with classical European literature, Akutagawa was a devotee of the finely turned style of Edo-period Japanese literature.

The Guardian - Books

By airing the roots of his predilections, Gowdy, like so many post-Freudian authors before her, insists on a psychologically driven series of actions that are not always as subtle as they're meant to be to a readership thoroughly conversant with notions of youthful trauma and arrested development.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Really conversant.

The New York Times - Arts

(I'm conversant, but Karen isn't).

The New York Times - Travel

In fact, Mr. Gatti seems conversant in all things Wagner.

The New York Times - Arts

Blend thoroughly.

The New York Times

Wisk thoroughly.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly conversant" when you want to emphasize both deep knowledge and practical understanding of a subject. It implies a level of mastery that goes beyond simple familiarity.

Common error

While "thoroughly conversant" is a valid phrase, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "familiar with" or "knows a lot about" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly conversant" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe the extent of someone's knowledge or understanding. It is used to indicate that someone is not only familiar with a subject but has a deep and comprehensive understanding of it, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughly conversant" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for describing someone with a deep and practical understanding of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's most commonly found in news and academic contexts, indicating a professional register. While alternatives like "well versed" or "highly knowledgeable" exist, "thoroughly conversant" emphasizes both knowledge and practical application. Remember to use it judiciously, as it may sound overly formal in casual settings. The phrase's frequency is uncommon, making it a precise choice for conveying expertise. The phrase is well-supported by authoritative sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. When writing, "thoroughly conversant" is best used to highlight comprehensive knowledge and practical mastery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well versed

Indicates a good level of knowledge, but perhaps with a slightly more general scope.

highly knowledgeable

Emphasizes the depth of knowledge, but not necessarily the practical application.

deeply acquainted

Suggests a more intimate and experiential familiarity.

intimately familiar

Implies a very close and personal level of understanding.

extensively informed

Highlights the breadth of information possessed.

fully acquainted

Emphasizes complete familiarity, but without the implication of expertise.

exceptionally skilled

Focuses more on skill and ability than on knowledge alone.

expertly proficient

Stresses a high degree of skill and competence.

remarkably adept

Highlights natural talent or quick learning.

thoroughly familiar

Focuses solely on being familiar and removes the implication of being knowledgeable.

FAQs

How can I use "thoroughly conversant" in a sentence?

You can use "thoroughly conversant" to describe someone who has a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a particular subject. For example, "She is "thoroughly conversant" with the intricacies of quantum physics".

What are some alternatives to "thoroughly conversant"?

Alternatives include "well versed", "highly knowledgeable", and "intimately familiar". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say 'conversant with' or 'conversant in'?

"Conversant with" is generally used when referring to subjects or topics, while "conversant in" is used when referring to languages. For example, "He is conversant with the latest marketing trends" versus "She is conversant in French and Spanish".

What's the difference between "familiar with" and "thoroughly conversant"?

"Familiar with" implies a basic understanding, while "thoroughly conversant" suggests a much deeper and more comprehensive knowledge. To say someone is "thoroughly conversant" implies a level of expertise beyond simple awareness.