A2noun2K

Colleague

UK //ˈkɒliːɡ//US //ˈkɑːliːɡ//

Definition

A person who works in the same organization as you.

In simple words: A person you work with.

Examples

  • My colleague helped me with the project.
  • I have a meeting with my colleague later today.
  • She is a valued colleague who always supports me.
  • We often collaborate with our colleagues on new ideas.
  • My colleague shared some useful resources for our task.

Usage notes

Used in professional settings to refer to someone who is also employed by your company or organization. Avoid in casual conversations unless the context is work-related.

Grammar pattern

colleague + object

Memory hint

Think of 'coal' and 'league'; they work together like you and your colleagues.

Collocations

  • close colleague
  • new colleague
  • colleague at work
  • friendly colleague
  • senior colleague

Synonyms

  • coworker
  • partner
  • associate
  • teammate
  • peer

Antonyms

  • rival
  • competitor

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'peer' which refers to someone of equal standing, not just work.
  • Using 'colleague' for friends outside of work.
  • Mispronouncing as 'colleeg' instead of 'koh-leeg'.