B2noun2K

Forum

UK /["/ˈfɔːrəm/"]/US /["/ˈfɔːrəm/"]/

Definition

an event or medium where people can exchange opinions and ideas on a particular issue; a meeting organized for this purpose

In simple words: A place or website where people discuss topics.

Examples

  • to hold an international forum on drug abuse
  • Television is now an important forum for political debate.
  • The conference provides a useful forum for the exchange of views and ideas.
  • The film show was followed by an open forum on editing techniques.
  • We will be hosting a two-day forum on childcare.
  • an internet forum
  • It's a forum where new parents can exchange questions, advice and support.

Usage notes

Use 'forum' to refer to both physical spaces for discussion or online discussion boards. It is more formal than 'chat' and usually implies a structured conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'forum' as a 'formal room' for discussing ideas.

Collocations

  • open
  • public
  • international
  • hold
  • host
  • attend
  • take place
  • forum on

Synonyms

  • discussion board
  • panel
  • conference
  • symposium
  • meeting

Antonyms

  • silence
  • secrecy
  • privacy

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'forum' vs 'form' in spelling and meaning.
  • Using 'forum' to mean 'meeting' instead of a discussion space.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'for-um' instead of 'foh-ruhm'.