What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
session
Example
The yoga session lasted for an hour. [session: noun]
Example
We had a productive brainstorming session this morning. [session: noun]
Example
The conference will have several sessions throughout the day. [sessions: plural noun]
seminar
Example
I attended a seminar on climate change last week. [seminar: noun]
Example
The professor led a seminar on literary analysis. [seminar: noun]
Example
The company organized a seminar for its employees on effective communication. [seminar: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Session is more commonly used than seminar in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts. However, seminar is more commonly used in academic and professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between session and seminar?
Seminars are generally more formal than sessions, as they are often organized for educational or professional development purposes. However, both words can be used in both formal and informal contexts.