Panel: meaning, definitions and examples

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panel

 

[ˈpænəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

control

A flat, usually rectangular piece of material that forms part of a structure such as a door, wall, or roof.

Synonyms

board, plate, sheet.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
panel

Often used to describe a flat, rectangular piece of material or a group of people discussing a topic.

  • The solar panel on the roof generates electricity
  • The expert panel discussed the latest medical research
board

Typically refers to a long, thin, flat piece of wood or composite material. It can also mean a group of people managing an organization.

  • He put the board over the window to cover the broken glass
  • The school board decided on new policies
plate

Commonly used to describe a flat dish for eating or a flat piece of material, often metal.

  • She served the steak on a large plate
  • The license plate on the car was new
sheet

Usually refers to a thin, flat piece of material, such as paper, metal, or fabric.

  • He wrote his notes on a sheet of paper
  • The metal sheet was used to cover the hole

Examples of usage

  • He removed the panel to access the wiring behind it.
  • The control panel on the spaceship was covered in buttons and switches.
Context #2 | Noun

discussion

A group of people gathered to discuss or debate a topic.

Synonyms

board, committee, forum.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
panel

This term is often used to describe a small group of experts gathered to discuss a specific topic, especially in conferences or television shows.

  • The panel of judges will announce the winner tomorrow
  • She was invited to join a panel on climate change
committee

This term is usually applied to a group of people appointed or selected to perform a specific function or task, often within an organization, such as investigating an issue or planning an event.

  • The fundraising committee has organized a charity event
  • She was asked to chair the safety committee
board

This word is typically used to refer to a group of individuals who have been appointed to oversee the management and make decisions for an organization or company.

  • The board of directors approved the new budget
  • He was elected to the school board last year
forum

This word is often used to describe a public space, meeting, or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged. It tends to be more open and inclusive than the other terms.

  • The online forum has many discussions on various tech topics
  • They held a community forum to discuss the new park

Examples of usage

  • The panel of experts debated the merits of the proposed policy changes.
  • She was invited to join the panel for the TV talk show.
Context #3 | Noun

art

A painting, drawing, or photograph that forms part of a larger composition.

Synonyms

artwork, canvas, piece.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
panel

Use when referring to a flat, rectangular structure, often part of a larger surface or used in discussions about art sections or technical devices.

  • The artist painted each panel with a different scene.
  • The solar panel generated enough electricity to power the house.
piece

Use when referring to an individual work of art, music, writing, or any other creative endeavor, focusing on it as a distinct entity.

  • The sculpture was the most impressive piece in the exhibition.
  • She wrote a beautiful piece for the piano recital.
artwork

Use when referring broadly to any creation made by an artist, emphasizing the work as a whole and its artistic value.

  • The gallery displayed a new piece of modern artwork.
  • She dedicated three months to completing her latest artwork.
canvas

Use when referring to a sturdy fabric surface used for painting, emphasizing the medium rather than the entire work.

  • He stretched the canvas tightly over the wooden frame.
  • The artist began splashing colors onto the canvas.

Examples of usage

  • The artist created a beautiful panel depicting scenes from nature.
  • The panels in the art exhibit were arranged in a stunning display.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'panel' comes from the Latin 'pannellus', meaning a small cloth or a piece of cloth.
  • The term evolved in Middle French, becoming 'panneau', which referred to a flat piece of wood or material.
  • Initially used in architecture, it referred to a flat surface used in doors or walls.

Art

  • In painting, 'panel' refers to a rigid surface on which artists create, often seen in Renaissance works.
  • Contemporary artists frequently use panels made from materials like wood or composite for diverse visual effects.
  • Panel painting allows for the preservation of artworks over time, enabling them to be displayed in museums.

Technology

  • In electronics, you find 'panels' in devices like televisions and computers, referring to the flat screens used for display.
  • Solar energy systems utilize solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity, highlighting modern sustainability efforts.
  • Control panels are essential in machinery and aircraft, providing operators with vital information and controls.

Psychology

  • In group discussions, a panel can provide diverse perspectives, leading to more comprehensive decision-making.
  • Expert panels in psychology often assess behaviors, supporting findings through collaborative analysis.
  • Panel studies in research track the same subjects over time, helping understand changes and trends in behavior.

Pop Culture

  • Comic books frequently feature panels as visual frames, where illustrations and dialogue convey the story.
  • Television shows often have celebrity panels where stars share opinions on various topics, blending entertainment and discussion.
  • Events like Comic-Con host panels where fans can meet creators and learn about upcoming projects, showcasing community engagement.

Translations

Translations of the word "panel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 painel

🇮🇳 पैनल

🇩🇪 Panel

🇮🇩 panel

🇺🇦 панель

🇵🇱 panel

🇯🇵 パネル (パネル)

🇫🇷 panneau

🇪🇸 panel

🇹🇷 panel

🇰🇷 패널 (paenel)

🇸🇦 لوحة

🇨🇿 panel

🇸🇰 panel

🇨🇳 面板 (miànbǎn)

🇸🇮 plošča

🇮🇸 spjald

🇰🇿 панель

🇬🇪 პანელი (p'aneli)

🇦🇿 panel

🇲🇽 panel

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,882, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.