conference

A large organized meeting where people discuss a subject or share their work.

• She is attending a conference today.
• The conference attracted doctors from twenty countries.
• Did you present your research at the conference?

How to use it: conference on something (They organized a conference on climate change.); at a conference (I met her at a conference in Rome.)

Similar words: convention, congress

Common phrases: attend a conference, international conference, conference speaker, conference on something

A meeting where a few people discuss a matter together.

• The teacher requested a private conference.
• We held a brief conference before making our decision.
• Their conferences usually take place in the manager's office.

How to use it: conference with someone (I requested a conference with my daughter's teacher.); in conference (The manager is in conference with her assistants.)

Similar words: meeting, discussion, consultation

Common phrases: private conference, conference with someone, hold a conference, parent teacher conference

An official meeting of church leaders and members who make decisions about church affairs.

• The conference elected a new bishop.
• Ministers discussed church policy at the annual conference.
• Several conferences voted to change the rules for clergy.

Similar words: church assembly, synod

Common phrases: annual conference, Methodist conference, church conference, conference delegates