What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
colloquia
Example
The university is hosting a colloquia on climate change next week. [colloquia: noun]
Example
The professors engaged in a lively colloquia about the latest research in their field. [colloquia: plural form]
conversation
Example
I had a great conversation with my friend at the coffee shop yesterday. [conversation: noun]
Example
They were conversing about their favorite books. [conversing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conversation is more commonly used than colloquia in everyday language. Conversation is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while colloquia is less common and mainly used in academic or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between colloquia and conversation?
While colloquia is associated with a formal and professional tone, conversation is more flexible and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it suitable for various situations.