conversationalist

[ kon-ver-sey-shuh-nl-ist ]

/ ˌkɒn vərˈseɪ ʃə nl ɪst /

a person who enjoys and contributes to good conversation; an interesting person in conversation.

Origin of conversationalist

First recorded in 1830–40; conversational + -ist

As a conversationalist he preferred the father; as a confidante, the mother; where Delia was concerned he preferred a tête-à-tête.

What a Man Wills |Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey
You're worthless as an augur, and a flat failure as a conversationalist, when thrown on your own resources.

The Unspeakable Perk |Samuel Hopkins Adams
He was not much of a conversationalist, however, and quite unused to the society of young girls.

Ragna |Anna Miller Costantini
To return to birds—the greenfinch is a pleasant singer, or perhaps a conversationalist.

Rustic Sounds |Francis Darwin

It may safely be said that as a conversationalist he was unequalled.

The Memoires of Casanova, Complete |Jacques Casanova de Seingalt

conversationalist

/ (ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃənəlɪst) /

a person who enjoys or excels in conversation