WordGarden.ioroundtable
C2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˈraʊndˌteɪbəl/
Meanings
Noun
a group discussion, meeting, or program where participants exchange views as equals
Adjective
involving or formatted as a group discussion among equals
Beyond the definition
Imagine King Arthur—not just ruling from a throne, but sitting with his knights at a round table. That's where the concept of a "roundtable" comes from! It suggests a meeting or discussion where every participant has an equal voice and position. There is no "head" of the table because everyone is considered equally important to the conversation.
Today, we use "roundtable" to describe a discussion focused on open dialogue and working together. It could be a formal business meeting, a casual brainstorming session with friends, or even a televised political discussion. A roundtable isn't about one person leading everything; it's about sharing ideas and hearing different views. Think of it as a conversation circle where everyone gets a chance to speak.
The term "roundtable" originates from the legendary King Arthur and his knights, who were said to meet around a circular table. This design wasn't just for aesthetics; the round shape symbolized equality—no one sat at the head of the table, emphasizing that each knight's opinion held equal weight.
In a modern context, a roundtable refers to any conference or discussion format where participants gather to exchange ideas and opinions on a specific topic. It implies a collaborative environment focused on open dialogue rather than hierarchical decision-making. You might hear about a "policy roundtable" discussing healthcare reform, a "marketing roundtable" brainstorming new strategies, or even a "community roundtable" addressing local concerns.
The key characteristic of a roundtable is its emphasis on equality and inclusivity. Participants are typically experts in their field or stakeholders representing diverse perspectives. The goal isn't necessarily to reach an immediate agreement but rather to foster understanding and explore different viewpoints.
While the story of King Arthur's knights might conjure up visions of chivalry and adventure, modern roundtables are found in boardrooms, universities, town halls, and even online forums—anywhere people come together to solve problems on equal footing. So, the next time you hear about a roundtable discussion, picture that circular table and remember: everyone has a voice!
Examples
- 1
Policy discussion
The university held a roundtable discussion on climate policy.
- 2
Public meeting
At the roundtable, local business owners spoke directly to the mayor.
- Phraseat the roundtable
during that discussion or meeting
- 3
Stakeholder meeting
The company invited teachers, parents, and students to a roundtable before changing the school app.
- 4
Magazine interview
The magazine published a roundtable with three chefs about the future of restaurant cooking.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
- round table
Used with (collocations)
- roundtable discussion
- roundtable meeting
- host a roundtable
- participate in a roundtable
Word family
- roundtables
Explore
- deliberation
- stakeholder consultation
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- roundtablenoun