B2noun2K

Seminar

UK /["/ˈsemɪnɑː(r)/"]/US /["/ˈsemɪnɑːr/"]/

Definition

a class at a university or college when a small group of students and a teacher discuss or study a particular topic

In simple words: A meeting for discussion or training.

Examples

Teaching is by lectures and seminars.
a graduate seminar
a seminar room
In spring 2024 I taught a seminar on Sappho.
Professor Mackay will give a seminar on Pound's poetry.
a one-day management seminar
a seminar focusing on Africa
I recently spoke at an educational seminar for judges.

Usage notes

Use 'seminar' in academic and professional contexts. Avoid in casual conversations not related to training or education.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'semi-nar' — a half hour seminar could make your knowledge bloom.

Collocations

weekly
etc.
freshman
series
conduct
give
teach
discussion
paper
room
at a/the seminar
in a/the seminar
seminar on
all-day
half-day
weekend
hold
host
offer
take place
focus on something
participant
leader
seminar for

Synonyms

conference
workshop
discussion
meeting
forum

Antonyms

lecture
presentation

Common mistakes

Confused with 'symposium', which is more formal or academic.
Using 'seminar' to refer to informal group meetings.
Mixing up 'seminar' with 'workshop', which involves more hands-on activities.