'conversationalist' originates from the English word 'conversation,' which comes from the Latin word 'conversatio,' where 'con-' meant 'with' and 'versare' meant 'to turn.'

'conversatio' transformed into the Old French word 'conversacion,' and eventually became the modern English word 'conversation,' leading to 'conversationalist.'

Initially, it meant 'to turn with others in speech,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person skilled in conversation.'