What does "conference" mean?

1. (formal meeting) a large, formal meeting where people with the same interests or jobs meet to talk about their work. 2. (serious discussion) a private or serious talk between two or more people. 3. (sports league) a group of sports teams that play against each other regularly. 4. (religious meeting) a meeting of church leaders to discuss religious matters. 5. (to evaluate a student) to talk one-on-one with a student to see how they are doing.

How do you use "conference"?

often used in educational contexts as an intransitive verb followed by 'with'

conference

n. · v.

US //ˈkɑnfɝəns// UK //kˈɒnfɹəns// con·fer·ence

1 formal meeting (n.)
A2 Elementary

a large, formal meeting where people with the same interests or jobs meet to talk about their work.

a formal meeting for consultation or discussion, typically involving a series of presentations or workshops on a specific theme.

Example

She is attending a medical conference in London next week to learn about new treatments.

Example

The annual technology conference serves as a vital platform for industry leaders to showcase emerging innovations and network with potential investors.
2 serious discussion (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

a private or serious talk between two or more people.

the act of consulting together formally; a serious conversation or interchange of views between parties.

Example

The doctor is in conference with a patient and cannot be disturbed right now.

Example

After a brief conference with his legal advisors, the CEO decided to issue a formal statement regarding the merger.

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3 sports league (n.)
B1 Intermediate American English Sport

a group of sports teams that play against each other regularly.

an association of sports teams or clubs that compete against one another within a specific geographical or competitive division.

Example

Their team is currently at the top of the Western Conference standings.

Example

The university's move to a more competitive conference resulted in increased television revenue but significantly higher travel costs for the athletic department.
4 religious meeting (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Religion

a meeting of church leaders to discuss religious matters.

a stated meeting of clergy and lay members invested with authority to manage ecclesiastical affairs.

Example

The bishops gathered for a conference to discuss changes to the liturgy.

Example

The regional Methodist conference voted on several resolutions concerning community outreach and the allocation of missionary funds.
- synod
- convocation
5 to evaluate a student (v.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

to talk one-on-one with a student to see how they are doing.

to assess or provide feedback to a student through a one-on-one meeting rather than a written test.

Example

The teacher will conference with each student about their writing project.

Example

The writing centre encourages tutors to conference with students throughout the drafting process to foster more effective revision habits.

Usage

often used in educational contexts as an intransitive verb followed by 'with'
- consult
- interview

Origin

From Middle French conférence, from Medieval Latin cōnferentia, from Latin cōnferēns, several steps omitting from con- + ferō. Compare parallel Russian собра́ние (sobránije), Russian сбо́рище (sbórišče), akin to с- (s-), со- (so-) + брать (bratʹ), ultimately from the same Indo-European prefix and root. Also compare congress, convention.