Final answer:
The word 'badinage' means light, playful, and witty conversation, best described as friendly banter. It's characterized by its lighthearted nature, as opposed to serious, angry, or thoughtful discussions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word badinage refers to light, playful, and witty conversation, which is best described as option 2) Friendly banter. It is not meant to be taken seriously and often involves quick and clever remarks that are intended to amuse. Contrary to serious conversation, angry argument, or thoughtful discussion, badinage is characterized by its lighthearted and amusing nature.
For instance, in various types of dialogue, the tone, word choice, and level of formality can be influenced by the relationships between the individuals involved. A dialogue filled with badinage could be seen among friends who enjoy teasing each other in a good-natured way, contrasting with a more formal discussion one might have with family or during a classroom setting.