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Conference Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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conference

[ˈkɒnfərəns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

A conference is a formal meeting for discussion.

Synonyms

assembly, convention, summit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conference

A large formal meeting where people discuss specific topics, often used in professional and academic settings.

  • They attended an international conference on climate change
  • The medical conference will be held next week
convention

A large meeting of members of a particular group or profession to discuss shared interests or issues, often includes formal and informal activities.

  • The annual science fiction convention attracts fans from all over the world
  • Lawyers from across the country gathered for the legal convention
summit

A high-level meeting between leaders or top officials to discuss important issues, often related to politics or global affairs.

  • World leaders met at the economic summit to discuss global trade policies
  • The environmental summit aimed to find solutions to climate change
assembly

A group of people gathered together for a common purpose, often used in educational or legislative settings.

  • The school held an assembly to discuss safety rules
  • The legislative assembly voted on the new law

Examples of usage

  • The company is organizing an international conference next month.
  • She attended a conference on climate change in Paris.
  • The conference will focus on new trends in technology.
  • I have to prepare a presentation for the conference.
  • Many experts will be speaking at the conference.
Context #2 | Noun

education

A conference is a meeting between teachers and parents to discuss a student's progress.

Synonyms

consultation, discussion, meeting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conference

A large formal event where people discuss specific topics, usually involves multiple sessions and presentations.

  • I will be attending a medical conference next week
  • The tech conference in San Francisco was very informative
meeting

A gathering of people for a specific purpose, typically more formal and structured than a discussion but smaller than a conference.

  • The team had a meeting to plan the next steps
  • We have a budget meeting every Monday
consultation

A formal meeting to discuss something, usually between an expert and a person or group seeking advice.

  • She had a consultation with a legal expert about her case
  • The doctor scheduled a consultation to review the test results
discussion

An informal or formal talk about a topic, often involving multiple people sharing their views.

  • We had a long discussion about the new project
  • The discussion on climate change was very enlightening

Examples of usage

  • The teacher requested a conference with the student's parents.
  • I have a conference scheduled with my child's teacher next week.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word originates from the Latin 'conferentia', meaning 'bringing together'.
  • Early conference-like gatherings date back to Ancient Greece, where philosophers debated and shared knowledge.
  • In the Middle Ages, conferences were often organized by religious groups to discuss important matters.

Business

  • Conferences play a vital role in professional networking, helping people make connections in their industry.
  • Many companies host annual conferences to introduce new products and strategies to clients and partners.
  • Successful conferences often feature keynote speakers who are experts, providing valuable knowledge and insights.

Education

  • Academic conferences are opportunities for researchers to present their findings and collaborate on new ideas.
  • They can foster learning, as educators share teaching methods and curriculum enhancements.
  • Many universities encourage students to attend or participate in conferences to expand their academic and professional horizons.

Technology

  • The rise of virtual conferences has transformed how people connect, making it easier to include participants from all over the globe.
  • Technology enables interactive sessions, allowing attendees to engage through polls and Q&A in real-time.
  • With the growth of webinars, online platforms have become popular for sharing information and hosting discussions without physical presence.

Pop Culture

  • Some famous conferences, like Comic-Con, celebrate fandoms and culture, attracting thousands of attendees every year.
  • Tech conferences, such as CES, reveal the latest innovations and gadgets, capturing public and media attention.
  • Film festivals are a type of conference where filmmakers showcase their work and discuss the art of cinema.

Origin of 'conference'

The word 'conference' originated from the Latin word 'conferre', which means 'to bring together'. Conferences have been a common practice for centuries, serving as a platform for discussion, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among individuals or groups with common interests or goals. Over time, conferences have evolved to encompass a wide range of fields and purposes, from business and academia to politics and entertainment.

See also: conferment, conferred, conferrer, conferring.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,623, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.