conference

Everyday

1. A conference is a big formal meeting where many people come together to discuss or learn about a subject, often for one or more days. tree →
2. A conference is a smaller meeting to talk about something important: a parent–teacher conference. tree →
3. In US sport, a conference is a group of teams that play against each other. tree →

In the lessons

In school life, parent–teacher conferences (US/Canada; UK: «parents' evening») are meetings to talk about a child's progress. Scientists and doctors share discoveries at conferences. In news, leaders hold a «press conference» to answer reporters' questions. Phrases: «parent–teacher conference», «press conference», «video conference», «in conference».

Examples

• My parents went to the parent–teacher conference. tree →
• Scientists from many countries met at the conference. tree →
• The prime minister held a press conference. tree →
• We had a video conference with a class in Canada. tree →
• The conference lasted three days. tree →
• The teacher is in a conference with the head. tree →
• My aunt gave a talk at a science conference. tree →
• Our team plays in the Western Conference. tree →
• When the battle was over, the conduct of the Bats was discussed at the peace conference. tree →

Note

Countable. Spelling: conFERence (from «confer» = discuss), not «conferance». Stress: «KON-fer-ence».