conference

Definition

The act of consulting together formally; serious conversation or discussion; interchange of views.

Etymology

From Middle French conférence, from Medieval Latin cōnferentia, from Latin cōnferēns, several steps omitting from con- + ferō. Compare parallel Russian собра́ние (sobránije), Russian сбо́рище (sbórišče), akin to с- (s-), со- (so-) + брать (bratʹ), ultimately from the same Indo-European prefix and root. Also compare congress, convention.

Example Sentences

• "Nor with such free and friendly conference / As he hath used of old."
• "Mr. Wiley, a lawyer of some ability, was sitting in his office one day, when an elderly gentleman came in and asked to have a few words of conference with him."
• "helps and furtherances which […] the mutual conference of all men's collections and observations may afford"

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