Colleague: meaning, definitions and examples

Question

Accepted Answer

Word	Description / Examples
colleague	This term is commonly used in professional or formal settings, referring to someone you work with, especially in a similar role or position. It often implies respect for the person's professional abilities. I have a meeting with my colleagues this afternoon. She is a well-respected colleague in our department.
coworker	This word is more casual and commonly used in day-to-day conversation to refer to someone you work with. It doesn't necessarily imply a close working relationship and can be used in various job settings. I grabbed lunch with a coworker today. My coworker and I are working on the same project.
associate	Associate is typically used in business or academic environments to denote a working relationship, often at a more formal or slightly hierarchical level. It can also refer to someone you collaborate with on a project or a partner in a business. He is a business associate who handles our international deals. As a new associate, she is still learning the ropes.
fellow worker	This phrase is less commonly used but implies a sense of camaraderie and shared experience among people who work together, often in the same level or role. It may sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned. The award was given to a fellow worker who has been here for 20 years. He is my fellow worker in the engineering department.

Definition