Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Seminar: meaning, definitions and examples

📚
Add to dictionary

seminar

 

[ˈsɛm.ɪ.nɑːr ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

education

A seminar is a small group of students engaged in study and discussion under the guidance of a teacher, usually meeting regularly.

Synonyms

discussion group, tutorial, workshop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
seminar

A formal meeting for discussion or training, typically in an academic or professional setting. Usually involves a group of people who discuss a topic in depth, often led by an expert.

  • The university held a seminar on climate change.
  • Attending the seminar greatly enhanced my understanding of the subject.
workshop

A brief, intensive course focusing on practical skills or techniques. It involves interactive participation and hands-on activities, often used in creative and professional fields.

  • I attended a workshop on creative writing last weekend.
  • The team participated in a workshop to improve their problem-solving skills.
tutorial

A session of intensive instruction given by a tutor to an individual or a small group. It is often one-on-one or in a very small group, focusing on detailed teaching.

  • She attended a tutorial to improve her math skills.
  • The professor offers weekly tutorials for students needing extra help.
discussion group

A group of people who meet to talk about particular topics. It’s usually informal and can occur in various settings like schools, communities, or online.

  • We formed a discussion group to talk about the new policy changes.
  • The book club serves as a great discussion group for literary enthusiasts.

Examples of usage

  • The professor conducts a seminar on advanced mathematics every Friday afternoon.
  • Students are expected to actively participate in the seminar by presenting their research findings.
  • In the seminar, students have the opportunity to delve deeper into the subject matter.
  • The seminar focused on the impact of climate change on global economies.
  • Attending a seminar can enhance your understanding of the topic.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'seminarium', which means 'seed plot', suggesting a place where ideas can grow.
  • Originally, 'seminar' was used in academic settings to describe a place where students could cultivate knowledge.
  • The term began to take on its modern meaning in the 19th century, evolving into the structured format we see today.

Education

  • In many universities, seminars are often used to encourage in-depth discussion and collaborative learning among students.
  • Some academic systems, like the ‘Socratic seminar’, emphasize critical thinking and dialogue rather than lectures.
  • Seminars play a crucial role in graduate education, helping students develop research skills and present their findings.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, seminars are pivotal for professional development, helping adults update skills and knowledge.
  • They can cover a wide range of topics, from health and wellness to technology and industry innovations.
  • Webinars, a modern adaptation of seminars, have gained popularity through online platforms, especially post-2020.

Professional Development

  • Many industries use seminars for training purposes, enabling employees to stay current with trends and practices.
  • Networking opportunities are often a key component of seminars, allowing professionals to connect and collaborate.
  • The format can vary widely, from interactive discussions to lectures, making them adaptable to audience needs.

Translations

Translations of the word "seminar" in other languages:

🇵🇹 seminário

🇮🇳 संगोष्ठी

🇩🇪 Seminar

🇮🇩 seminar

🇺🇦 семінар

🇵🇱 seminarium

🇯🇵 セミナー (seminā)

🇫🇷 séminaire

🇪🇸 seminario

🇹🇷 seminer

🇰🇷 세미나 (semina)

🇸🇦 ندوة (nadwa)

🇨🇿 seminář

🇸🇰 seminár

🇨🇳 研讨会 (yántǎo huì)

🇸🇮 seminar

🇮🇸 námskeið

🇰🇿 семинар

🇬🇪 სემინარი (seminari)

🇦🇿 seminar

🇲🇽 seminario

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,363 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.