Colloquium: meaning, definitions and examples

A colloquium is an academic meeting where specialists in a specific field discuss their research and findings. It's more informal compared to a conference and often involves a smaller group of people.

• The university is hosting a colloquium on quantum mechanics next week.
• During the colloquium, researchers presented their latest discoveries.

A conference is a large formal meeting where people gather to discuss and share information about a particular topic, field, or profession. It's usually multi-day and can involve various presentations, panels, and workshops.

• She attended the annual medical conference in New York.
• The conference on climate change attracted experts from around the world.

A symposium is a formal gathering in an academic setting where experts present their findings on a particular subject. It can be similar to a conference but may focus more on a single topic or a series of related topics.

• The symposium on renewable energy technologies was highly informative.
• Researchers from various countries attended the neuroscience symposium.

A seminar is a meeting for discussion or training on a particular subject. It tends to be more interactive and educational in nature, often with a smaller group of participants.

• Our company is organizing a seminar on effective communication skills.
• The seminar provided valuable insights into digital marketing trends.