ENGLISH
REFERENCE

seminar

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈsɛməˌnɑɹ// UK //sˈɛmɪnˌɑː// sem·i·nar General-service

n. a small class at a college or university where a group of students and a teacher discuss a specific topic. You usually have to prepare work beforehand and share your ideas with the group.

n. a small group-based academic session involving intensive study and discussion under the guidance of a tutor. Often involves the presentation of research or papers by participants.


SIMPLE

I have a history seminar every Tuesday morning.

CONTEXTUAL

The professor asked each student to lead one seminar during the semester to encourage more active participation.

COMPLEX

While lectures provide a broad overview of the subject, the weekly seminar allows for a more granular analysis of the primary texts through peer-to-peer debate.

Origin

From German Seminar, from Latin sēminārium, from sēmen (“seed”). Compare seminary.

Usage

Commonly takes the prepositions 'on' or 'about' to indicate the subject matter.

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