conference

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a prearranged meeting for consultation or exchange of information or discussion, especially one with a formal agenda

   We arranged a conference to discuss the merging of our companies.

2. 2
   noun

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

   Nor with such free and friendly conference / As he hath used of old.

3. 3
   noun

   The act of comparing two or more things together; comparison.

   helps and furtherances which […] the mutual conference of all men's collections and observations may afford

4. 4
   noun

   A talk or lecture, (Catholicism) especially when given as part of a retreat.

   “[…]But I do know of a man who is an expert on the topic. In fact, he gave a conference here in our church not very long ago.[…]”

5. 5
   verb

   To assess (a student) by one-on-one conversation, rather than an examination.

   The students who were conferenced on paper 1 will get a written response to paper 2, and those who received a written response to paper 1 will be conferenced on paper 2.

6. 6
   noun

   a discussion among participants who have an agreed (serious) topic

7. 7
   noun

   an association of sports teams that organizes matches for its members

8. 8
   noun

   A multilateral diplomatic negotiation.

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.