colleague

/ˈkɒliːɡ/

a coworker or fellow professional

She discussed the project with her colleagues in the meeting.

She talked about the project with her coworkers who work with her.

formal

a person with whom one works, especially in a professional or academic context

My colleagues and I are working on a new initiative.

I and the people I work with are developing a new plan.

She received praise from her colleagues for her research.

Her coworkers recognized her work in the study.

Used in professional settings, often implying shared goals or workplace relationships.

Collocations

work colleaguea colleague in a professional settingclose colleaguea colleague with whom one has a strong working relationshipcolleague of minea colleague belonging to the speaker

Use 'colleague' in emails or meetings to sound professional. Reserve 'coworker' for casual conversations.

The plural of 'colleague' is 'colleagues' (not 'collegues').

From Latin 'collega' (fellow worker), combining 'com-' (together) + 'legare' (to choose, send). Entered English in the early 16th century.

Prefer 'colleague' in formal or professional contexts; 'coworker' is more common in casual or American English.

col-

together

prefix

-lega

choose, send

root

-ue

noun suffix

suffix

English Dictionary