WordGarden.ioseminar
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɛmɪnˌɑː/
US
- /ˈsɛməˌnɑr/
Meanings
Noun
a class or meeting where a small group studies or discusses a subject
Beyond the definition
Imagine a room full of people gathered to learn about one clear topic. That is often what a seminar looks like. It is usually more than a simple lecture because people are often invited to ask questions, share ideas, and discuss the subject together. A seminar is commonly led by a teacher, speaker, or expert, and it may happen at a university, at work, or at a special event. You might go to a business seminar, a health seminar, or a study seminar. Some seminars feel a bit like workshops, but they are often more focused on guided discussion and shared learning than on doing practical tasks the whole time.
A seminar is an educational session focused on a particular topic. It is different from a traditional lecture because it usually gives people more chances to take part, ask questions, and discuss ideas instead of only listening. The term comes from the Latin word seminare, meaning "to sow," which suggests the idea of planting seeds of knowledge.
Seminars can take many forms. In academic settings, they are often small-group discussions led by a professor, giving students time to explore ideas in detail. In professional settings, seminars may be offered as training sessions or learning events that help people build knowledge in a certain field. You could attend a seminar on project management, data analysis, public speaking, or even stress management.
The context matters. A university course might include several seminars, but the word can also describe a one-time event such as a financial planning seminar or a health seminar. The common idea is a clear topic and some level of interaction between the speaker and the people attending. Unlike a conference, which often includes many speakers and a wider range of themes, a seminar usually stays centered on one subject and explores it more closely through explanation and discussion.
So, whether you're sharpening your skills, exploring new ideas, or simply engaging with others who share your interests, a seminar is a powerful tool for learning and growth.
Examples
- 1
University course
I'm taking a seminar on modern Japanese history this term.
- 2
Class discussion
The professor asked everyone in the seminar to prepare two questions for discussion.
- 3
Law school
She gave a seminar at the law school on digital privacy.
- 4
Workplace training
Our firm sends new employees to a one-day seminar on workplace safety.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Conference sessions
The conference includes several small seminars as well as the main lectures.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- attend a seminar
- lead a seminar
- seminar on
- graduate seminar
Word family
Explore
- facilitator
- webinar
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- seminarnoun
Forms
- seminarspluralnoun