Symposium: meaning, definitions and examples

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symposium

 

[ sษชmหˆpoสŠziษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

academic discussion

A symposium is a formal meeting at which experts discuss a particular topic. It is usually organized to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and foster collaboration among professionals in a specific field.

Synonyms

colloquium, conference, seminar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
symposium

Used for a formal meeting or gathering where experts discuss a particular topic, often involving presentations and discussions.

  • The university is hosting a symposium on climate change this weekend.
  • She presented her research at the annual medical symposium.
conference

A larger formal meeting where people with shared interests come together to discuss various topics, often lasting several days and including a wide range of sessions, workshops, and keynote speeches.

  • The tech conference attracted thousands of participants from around the world.
  • She was a keynote speaker at the annual marketing conference.
seminar

Usually a smaller, more focused educational meeting or class where a group discusses a specific topic or engages in intensive study.

  • The professor held a seminar on Shakespearean literature.
  • I've signed up for a seminar on financial planning.
colloquium

Typically an academic or professional meeting where specialists deliver lectures on a specific subject and discuss their findings with peers.

  • The science department is organizing a colloquium on quantum physics.
  • During the colloquium, several groundbreaking theories were discussed.

Examples of usage

  • Scientists from around the world gathered at the symposium to present their latest research findings.
  • The symposium on climate change brought together experts in environmental science and policy.
  • The annual symposium on technology innovation attracts industry leaders and academics alike.
Context #2 | Noun

ancient Greece

In ancient Greece, a symposium was a social gathering where men would come together to eat, drink, and engage in intellectual conversations. These gatherings often included music, poetry, and philosophical discussions.

Synonyms

banquet, conviviality, feast.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
symposium

Used mainly in academic or professional settings to refer to a formal gathering or conference where experts discuss a specific topic.

  • The university hosted a symposium on climate change last weekend
  • Industry leaders gathered at the annual technology symposium to share their insights
banquet

Refers to a large, formal meal often with numerous courses, usually for a celebration or special event.

  • The company held a grand banquet to celebrate its 50th anniversary
  • She was honored at a banquet for her years of community service
feast

Indicates a large meal, often celebratory, with plenty of food and drink; it can also be used metaphorically.

  • They prepared a Thanksgiving feast with all the traditional dishes
  • The festival included a feast of music and dance performances
conviviality

Describes the quality of being friendly and lively, often in the context of a gathering where people are enjoying each other's company.

  • The conviviality of the holiday party made everyone feel at home
  • His warm smile and jokes added to the conviviality of the evening

Examples of usage

  • The symposium was an important part of Greek social life, providing an opportunity for intellectual exchange and socializing.
  • Philosophers like Socrates and Plato were known to participate in symposia to debate ideas and share knowledge.
  • The tradition of the symposium in ancient Greece influenced the development of Western philosophy and culture.

Translations

Translations of the word "symposium" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น simpรณsio

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเค‚เค—เฅ‹เคทเฅเค เฅ€

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Symposium

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ simposium

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะธะผะฟะพะทั–ัƒะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sympozjum

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ทใƒณใƒใ‚ธใ‚ฆใƒ 

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท symposium

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ simposio

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sempozyum

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹ฌํฌ์ง€์—„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ุฏูˆุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sympozium

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ sympรณzium

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ ”่ฎจไผš

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ simpozij

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ rรกรฐstefna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะธะผะฟะพะทะธัƒะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ˜แƒ›แƒžแƒแƒ–แƒ˜แƒฃแƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ simpozium

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ simposio

Etymology

The word 'symposium' has its origins in ancient Greek culture, where it referred to a drinking party or social gathering. Over time, the meaning evolved to include formal academic discussions and meetings. The concept of the symposium as a scholarly event gained popularity in the 18th century, and it continues to be a common format for academic conferences and intellectual gatherings.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,661 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.