conference

/ˈkɒn.fər.əns/
nounIntermediate a formal meeting for discussion
formal

a formal meeting where people discuss a particular topic

The annual tech conference attracted thousands of attendees.

A yearly event for discussing technology drew a large crowd.

💡

Often used in professional or academic settings.

Sports

a series of games or matches in a sport

The basketball conference finals were intense this year.

The championship series in basketball was highly competitive.

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In sports, it refers to a division or league.

Collocations

attend a conferenceto go to a formal meetinghost a conferenceto organize and hold a meetingconference calla phone meeting with multiple participants

Related Phrases

conference callphrase
a phone meeting with multiple participants
conference roomphrase
a room designed for meetings

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The word 'conference' can mean a formal meeting or a sports division. Pay attention to the context to understand the correct meaning.

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Sports

In professional or academic settings, 'conference' refers to a formal meeting. In sports, it refers to a division or league.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'conference,' from Latin 'conferentia,' meaning 'comparison, discussion,' from 'conferre' (to bring together).

📝Usage Notes

Can refer to both formal meetings and sports divisions. Context determines the meaning.

Word Breakdown

con-
together
prefix
+
-fer-
to carry
root
+
-ence
state or condition
suffix
English Dictionary