What does symposium mean?
A symposium is a formal meeting organized for discussion of a particular subject, especially in an academic, scientific, or professional context. It generally involves multiple speakers, and its name may appear before a theme, such as a symposium on climate change or artificial intelligence. The word is more formal than meeting and usually suggests a structured event with prepared presentations or papers. A symposium can also refer to the collection of papers presented at such a meeting. In ancient Greece, however, a symposium began as a drinking party: participants reclined together, shared wine, and combined drinking with conversation, music, poetry, and philosophical debate. This original sense survives in the word's associations with intellectual exchange and convivial discussion. Today, the modern sense is dominant, but the historical meaning explains why the term can carry a faintly traditional or ceremonial atmosphere.
nounA formal meeting or conference, especially one at which scholars or professionals discuss a particular subject. Historically, the term also referred to the drinking and conversation parties held by ancient Greeks.
- A formal meeting or conference at which scholars, experts, or professionals discuss a particular subject.
- Originally, an ancient Greek gathering in which participants drank together and then engaged in conversation, music, or intellectual discussion.
"The university hosted an international symposium on climate change."
"She presented her research at an international symposium on medieval history."
"The symposium concluded with a discussion of the report's main recommendations."
Symposia is the standard plural in both British and American English. The alternative symposiums is also encountered.
"The annual symposia brought together specialists from several countries."
Before symposia became academic events, they were drinking parties where ancient Greeks paired wine with lively conversation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does symposium come from?
The word comes through Latin from Ancient Greek symposion, a drinking party or gathering for drinking and conversation. Greek symposion was formed from syn, meaning “together,” and posis, “drinking.” It originally referred to a communal drinking occasion, but its intellectual and social associations later helped give rise to the modern sense of a formal meeting for discussion.
Related word forms
How symposium is actually used
Symposium is formal and countable. In British and American English, the standard plural is symposia, although symposiums is also accepted.
Easily confused with symposium
A symposium is generally a larger, more formal meeting organized around a specialized subject, whereas a seminar often involves a smaller group and more focused discussion.