What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
roundtable
Example
The roundtable discussion focused on the challenges facing small businesses in the current economic climate. [roundtable: noun]
Example
The CEO invited a roundtable of industry leaders to discuss the future of renewable energy. [roundtable: collective noun]
symposium
Example
The symposium on climate change brought together scientists, policymakers, and activists from around the world. [symposium: noun]
Example
The university organized a symposium on the history of art, featuring renowned scholars and curators. [symposium: collective noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Symposium is more commonly used than roundtable in academic and professional contexts. Symposium is a well-established term in the fields of science, technology, and humanities, while roundtable is more commonly used in business and political settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between roundtable and symposium?
Symposium is generally considered more formal than roundtable. While roundtable can be used in both formal and informal contexts, symposium is typically associated with academic or intellectual events and is used in formal settings.
