Reading Theme:
Conference: Definition, Usage & Common Phrases (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：formal meeting (conference)
conference
/ˈkɒnfərəns/
n.
A large, formal meeting where many people come together to discuss important topics, like work or research.
formal meeting
➕
/ˈfɔːməl ˈmiːtɪŋ/
n.
A large, formal assembly of people convened to discuss and exchange information on specific topics, often in a professional or academic context.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'conferre' (to bring together). 'Con-' (together) + 'ferre' (to bring, bear).
💡 Mnemonic
A CONference is where people CONgregate to CONfer about important topics.
📖 Example
My company sent me to a technology conference in Shanghai to learn about the latest trends in artificial intelligence.
My company sent me to a technology formal meeting in Shanghai to learn about the latest trends in artificial intelligence.
🔗 Collocations
attend a conference – to be present and participate in a conference
host a conference – to organize and be the main provider for a conference
conference room – a room designed or used for holding meetings and conferences
🔄 Synonyms
meeting (n.) – A general term for a gathering of people for discussion; can be less formal and smaller than a conference.
convention (n.) – A large formal assembly, often of members of a political party, profession, or interest group.
symposium (n.) – A formal meeting for discussion, especially on an academic topic, often featuring several expert speakers.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
confer (v.) – To have discussions; to exchange opinions; to grant a title or honor.
conferential (adj.) – Relating to or of the nature of a conference.
📖 Cultural Story
The word entered English via Old French 'conference' from Latin 'conferentia' (bringing together, discussion). Originally denoting a formal consultation, it now signifies any large formal meeting, notably academic or business gatherings.
Meaning 2：sports division (conference)
conference
/ˈkɒnfərəns/
n.
In sports, especially in North America, one of the two main groups of teams within a large league, like the Eastern Conference in the NBA.
sports division
➕
/spɔːts dɪˈvɪʒən/
n.
In North American professional sports, one of the two or more major subdivisions within a league, grouping teams for scheduling and playoff purposes (e.g., Eastern and Western Conferences).
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The Lakers and the Celtics are in different conferences, so they only play against each other a few times during the regular season.
The Lakers and the Celtics are in different sports divisions, so they only play against each other a few times during the regular season.
🔗 Collocations
Eastern Conference – the grouping of sports teams located primarily in the eastern part of a league's territory
Western Conference – the grouping of sports teams located primarily in the western part of a league's territory
conference finals – the playoff series that determines the champion of each conference
🔄 Synonyms
division (n.) – A subsection within a sports league, sometimes used interchangeably with conference or as a smaller grouping.
league (n.) – The overarching organization comprising multiple teams; conferences are subdivisions of a league.
association (n.) – A group of people or teams organized for a joint purpose, often used in sports body names.
Wordbook
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