Literary notes about conversant (AI summary)
The term “conversant” in literature is widely deployed to denote a thorough and often expert familiarity with a subject, whether it be technical, moral, or cultural. In various texts, it underscores not only basic awareness but an intimate, almost practical mastery of details—as seen when readers are expected to be conversant with aerostation [1] or when individuals are depicted as well-versed in the art of warfare and scripture [2], [3]. It is frequently applied to characters and narrators who are adept in complex fields like government, religious doctrine, or natural sciences [4], [5], [6], thereby reinforcing their authority and credibility. Additionally, the word is used to describe both personal and collective expertise, ranging from moral and ethical knowledge [7], [8] to familiarity with languages and customs [9], [10]. This rich usage across genres and eras illustrates how “conversant” encapsulates a blend of erudition and practical understanding that deeply informs character portrayal and narrative precision [11], [12].
- A few words, in explanation, will here be necessary for such of our readers as are not conversant with the details of aerostation.
— from The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 1 by Edgar Allan Poe - And well-conversant with the art of whirling the mace, the king of immeasurable prowess fearlessly wandered over the forest.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - Like Rama (the son of Jamadagni) thou art conversant with the scriptures and arms.
— from The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 - 641 Who then of any understanding would venture to form an image of this Deity, resembling anything with which we are conversant?
— from The Geography of Strabo, Volume 3 (of 3) by Strabo - 3, 41, for a senator it is indispensable to be conversant with government .
— from A Latin Grammar for Schools and Colleges by George Martin Lane - All the natural powers in man, which I know, that are conversant about external objects, are the senses; the imagination; and the judgment.
— from The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 01 (of 12) by Edmund Burke - For there is one kind which is conversant with the gods; a second which has reference to men; and a third, which concerns the dead.
— from The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers by Diogenes Laertius - Be steadfast in thy covenant, and be conversant therein, and grow old in the work of thy commandments.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - She was conversant with the language of Guacasualco, which is the Mexican, and with that of Tabasco.
— from The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo, Vol 1 (of 2) by Bernal Díaz del Castillo - She found her quite conversant with American affairs, and she expressed great pleasure in reading Mrs. Davis'
— from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I - ] Note 69 ( return ) [ Cedrenus, (p. 345, 346,) who was conversant with the writers of better days, has preserved the remarkable words of Aspar.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - But I presume you are conversant with the soothing practice—with its details.”
— from The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Edition by Edgar Allan Poe
