Meeting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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meeting

[หˆmiหtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

business

A meeting is a gathering of two or more people that has been convened for the purpose of achieving a common goal through verbal interaction.

Synonyms

assembly, conference, gathering.

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Word Description / Examples
meeting

Used for a planned occasion where people come together to discuss something, usually work-related. This can be formal or informal.

  • We have a team meeting every Monday morning
  • The project leader called a meeting to discuss the deadlines
conference

Used for a formal event where individuals or groups discuss specific topics, often related to work or professional interests. Usually lasts for several days.

  • I am attending a business conference next week
  • The scientific conference will cover recent breakthroughs in AI
gathering

Used for an informal event where people come together socially or casually. It focuses on being together more than discussing specific topics.

  • We had a small family gathering over the weekend
  • The community organized a gathering to welcome new residents
assembly

Used for a large, formal gathering of people, often for an official purpose. Schools and organizations often hold assemblies.

  • The school held an assembly to celebrate the graduates
  • The national assembly voted on the new law

Examples of usage

  • We have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow to discuss the new project.
  • The weekly team meeting is held every Monday morning.
Context #2 | Noun

social

A meeting can also refer to a prearranged encounter or a place designated for social interaction, such as a meeting point in a train station.

Synonyms

encounter, get-together, rendezvous.

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Word Description / Examples
meeting

A formal or structured setting where people come together to discuss business, plans, or other organized activities.

  • We have a meeting with the clients tomorrow.
  • The project updates will be discussed in the meeting.
rendezvous

A planned meeting at a specific time and place, often used in romantic or secretive contexts.

  • They arranged a rendezvous at their favorite cafe.
  • The spies had a secret rendezvous to exchange information.
encounter

Typically refers to an unexpected or casual meeting, often with someone you did not plan to meet.

  • I had an unexpected encounter with an old friend at the market.
  • Their encounter at the concert was purely coincidental.
get-together

An informal gathering of people, usually friends or family, for social purposes.

  • We are having a family get-together this weekend.
  • The office decided to have a casual get-together after work.

Examples of usage

  • Let's meet at the usual meeting spot before heading to the concert.
  • The meeting of old friends brought back fond memories.
Context #3 | Verb

business

To meet can mean to come together formally or informally for discussion or other purposes.

Synonyms

assemble, convene, gather.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
meeting

Suitable for formal or informal settings where people come together to discuss, deliberate, or make decisions.

  • We have a meeting scheduled at 10 AM tomorrow
  • The team held a meeting to discuss the project's progress
gather

Used for both formal and informal settings, often implying a more casual or social context than 'assemble' or 'convene'. It can also refer to the physical act of coming together.

  • We gather every Sunday for brunch
  • People began to gather outside the stadium hours before the concert
assemble

Often used in more formal contexts or when indicating the process of bringing people together for a specific purpose, especially in larger groups or special occasions.

  • The students will assemble in the auditorium for the announcement
  • The soldiers assembled for the morning drill
convene

Typically used in formal or official contexts, especially for official gatherings, councils, or committees.

  • The board will convene next week to review the proposal
  • She convened a panel of experts to discuss the issue

Examples of usage

  • Let's meet tomorrow to finalize the details of the presentation.
  • The board will meet next week to make a decision on the merger.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, meetings are crucial for decision-making and community bonding. For example, town hall meetings in the U.S.
  • Business meetings can vary significantly across cultures โ€“ some emphasize formal structures while others prefer casual interactions.
  • In Japanese culture, group consensus is often sought during meetings, highlighting the value placed on harmony.

Psychology

  • Research shows that meetings can enhance creativity when structured effectively, as diverse perspectives often lead to innovative solutions.
  • However, poorly managed meetings can lead to frustration and wasted time, negatively impacting morale and productivity.
  • Studies suggest that clear agendas and defined roles can significantly improve meeting outcomes and engagement.

Technology

  • Virtual meetings surged in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the rise of platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
  • Video conferencing technology has made it possible for people from different parts of the world to connect instantly, broadening collaborative opportunities.
  • Innovative tools like digital whiteboards and project management apps are now often integrated into meetings to facilitate real-time brainstorming.

Literature

  • Meetings often serve as crucial plot devices in literature, showcasing character interactions and revealing conflicts or resolutions.
  • Shakespeare frequently used dialogues and gatherings in plays to highlight themes of power, relationships, and societal issues.
  • In modern literature, meetings can symbolize both collaboration and chaos, often reflecting broader societal themes.

Origin of 'meeting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'gemeting', which meant an assembly or a gathering.
  • It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word '*ga-meรพwล,' reflecting the concept of coming together.
  • Around the 14th century, the term referred to regular gatherings for discussions or events.

The word 'meeting' originated from the Old English word 'mฤ“ting', which meant a gathering or assembly. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various forms of gatherings, including those for business, social, or official purposes. Meetings have been an integral part of human interaction and collaboration throughout history, serving as a platform for discussion, decision-making, and communication.


See also: meet, meetings.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #469, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.