A meeting is a collaborative event where people gather to communicate and progress toward a common goal.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A gathering for discussion or decision-making.
- Can be held in person or virtually.
- Commonly used in work and school settings.
Overview
A meeting is a structured gathering of individuals who come together for a shared purpose. Whether the goal is to solve a problem, brainstorm new ideas, or provide status updates, meetings act as the primary engine for collaboration in modern society. They range from spontaneous, informal chats between two colleagues to highly structured, formal board meetings involving dozens of participants.
Usage Patterns
The word is highly versatile. We often use verbs like 'have,' 'hold,' 'schedule,' or 'attend' to describe the act of meeting. For example, 'We have a meeting at ten' implies an established appointment, whereas 'I had a quick meeting with my manager' suggests a shorter, perhaps less formal interaction. In the digital age, the term has expanded to include 'virtual meetings' or 'video conferences,' which function identically to physical gatherings.
Common Contexts
In a professional setting, meetings are essential for project management and team alignment. In academic contexts, students might have meetings with professors to discuss coursework or research. Socially, the term is slightly less common, as people might prefer words like 'get-together' or 'hangout,' yet it is still used for organized group activities like club meetings or committee gatherings.
Similar Words Comparison: While 'meeting' is general, other words offer more nuance. A 'conference' implies a larger, more formal event with many attendees. A 'huddle' suggests a short, informal, and energetic gathering. An 'appointment' is usually between two people for a specific service, such as a doctor's visit, and differs from a meeting because it focuses on a professional service rather than group collaboration.
Examples
I have a meeting with my boss at 2 PM.
everydayTengo una reunión con mi jefe a las 2 PM.
The board of directors is holding a formal meeting.
formalLa junta directiva está celebrando una reunión formal.
Let's have a quick meeting to go over the plans.
informalTengamos una reunión rápida para revisar los planes.
The committee meeting was rescheduled for Friday.
academicLa reunión del comité fue reprogramada para el viernes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
call a meeting
convocar una reunión
meeting point
punto de encuentro
follow-up meeting
reunión de seguimiento
Often Confused With
An encounter is typically a chance or unplanned meeting. A meeting is always intentional.
An appointment is usually a one-on-one session for a service. A meeting is for group discussion.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'meeting' is highly flexible and used across all registers. In professional settings, it is the standard term for any group discussion. It is important to note that 'meeting' refers specifically to the event, not the people attending.
Common Mistakes
Learners often say 'make a meeting' instead of 'schedule a meeting.' Another common error is using 'meeting' to describe a chance encounter, which should be called a 'chance meeting' or just 'encounter.' Finally, ensure you use 'at' or 'in' correctly when referring to the location of the meeting.
Tips
Use strong verbs with meetings
Pair 'meeting' with verbs like 'schedule,' 'attend,' or 'postpone' to sound more professional. This helps clarify your intent immediately.
Don't confuse meeting with encounter
An encounter is usually accidental, whereas a meeting is planned. Use 'meeting' for scheduled events only.
Punctuality is key for meetings
In many English-speaking business cultures, arriving on time for a meeting is considered a sign of respect. Being late is often viewed as unprofessional.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English verb 'metan,' meaning to come together or encounter. It evolved over centuries into the modern noun used for organized gatherings.
Cultural Context
In Western business culture, meetings are central to decision-making processes. They are often viewed as necessary tools, though there is a common cultural joke about having 'too many meetings' that could have been emails.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'meet.' If you 'meet' someone, you come together. A 'meeting' is simply the noun form of that action.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsAn appointment is typically a one-on-one session for a specific service, like seeing a dentist. A meeting involves a group of people coming together to talk or make decisions.
Yes, modern meetings frequently take place via video conferencing tools. These are often called virtual meetings or online meetings.
It is a neutral term that works in both formal and informal contexts. It is standard vocabulary for daily communication.
You can call it a 'quick meeting,' a 'brief catch-up,' or a 'huddle.' These terms imply the interaction will not take much time.
Test Yourself
We need to ___ a meeting to discuss the new project next week.
We 'schedule' a meeting to set a specific time and date for it.
Which word best replaces 'meeting' in a very formal context?
A conference is a formal, large-scale meeting.
the / for / late / was / meeting / he
Standard English word order places the subject first, followed by the verb and prepositional phrase.
Score: /3
Summary
A meeting is a collaborative event where people gather to communicate and progress toward a common goal.
- A gathering for discussion or decision-making.
- Can be held in person or virtually.
- Commonly used in work and school settings.
Use strong verbs with meetings
Pair 'meeting' with verbs like 'schedule,' 'attend,' or 'postpone' to sound more professional. This helps clarify your intent immediately.
Don't confuse meeting with encounter
An encounter is usually accidental, whereas a meeting is planned. Use 'meeting' for scheduled events only.
Punctuality is key for meetings
In many English-speaking business cultures, arriving on time for a meeting is considered a sign of respect. Being late is often viewed as unprofessional.
Examples
4 of 4I have a meeting with my boss at 2 PM.
Tengo una reunión con mi jefe a las 2 PM.
The board of directors is holding a formal meeting.
La junta directiva está celebrando una reunión formal.
Let's have a quick meeting to go over the plans.
Tengamos una reunión rápida para revisar los planes.
The committee meeting was rescheduled for Friday.
La reunión del comité fue reprogramada para el viernes.
Quick Quiz
I need to _______ a meeting with the client for next Tuesday.
Correct!
The correct answer is: schedule
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Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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