colloquy

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/ˈkɑːləkwi/
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A formal exchange of words, with specialized uses for classical teaching dialogues and the rare verb meaning to converse formally.

Examples

  • The diplomats held a private colloquy before the vote.
  • Their colloquy turned from policy to ethics.
  • The essay imagines philosophers colloquying in a garden.
  • The professor assigned a Latin colloquy for next week.
  • Her article compares several Renaissance colloquies.

Similar words

talk
parley
conference
discuss
exchange
consultation
dialogue
dialogue
exercise
script

Meanings

Formal discussion

noun
communication
formal
A serious conversation or exchange, often among scholars, officials, lawyers, or other participants in a formal setting.

Examples

  • The diplomats held a private colloquy before the vote.
  • A long colloquy between the judge and defendant followed the plea.
  • Scholars gathered for a colloquy on medieval philosophy.
  • The board requested a formal colloquy with community leaders.
  • Their colloquy turned from policy to ethics.

Similar words

Classical learning dialogue

noun
education
technical
A scripted dialogue used to teach or practise Latin, Ancient Greek, or another classical language.

Examples

  • The professor assigned a Latin colloquy for next week.
  • Students rehearsed the Greek colloquy before the exam.
  • The manuscript preserves a medieval school colloquy.
  • Her article compares several Renaissance colloquies.
  • The colloquy teaches grammar through everyday scenes.

Similar words

Converse formally

verb
communication
formal
To take part in a formal conversation or exchange of views.

Examples

  • The scholars colloquied late into the evening.
  • Delegates colloquied on the terms of the treaty.
  • The essay imagines philosophers colloquying in a garden.
  • They colloquy in a style borrowed from old dialogues.
  • The guests colloquied with the visiting author after dinner.

Similar words

Etymology

From Latin colloquium, "conversation" or "conference", formed from com-, "together", and loqui, "to speak".

FAQ

What does colloquy mean?

Colloquy most often means a formal conversation, discussion, or exchange of views.

Is colloquy the same as colloquial?

No. Colloquy is a noun for a conversation, while colloquial is an adjective for informal conversational language.

What is a plea colloquy?

A plea colloquy is a formal exchange in court where a judge checks that a defendant understands a plea and its consequences.

What does colloquy mean in classical studies?

In classical studies, a colloquy is a scripted dialogue used to teach or practise Latin, Ancient Greek, or a related classical language.

Can colloquy be a verb?

Yes, but the verb colloquy is rare and formal. It means to converse or hold a formal discussion.

How is colloquy pronounced?

Colloquy is pronounced /ˈkɑːləkwi/.

Where does colloquy come from?

Colloquy comes from Latin colloquium, built from elements meaning together and speak.

Comments & contributions

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Opal Plover
Jul 8
i only knew this from crossword clues lol, never heard anyone say it out loud
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Contribution
Teal Zebra
Jul 1
In Jesuit/Ignatian writing, colloquy has a prayer sense I dont see here. It is the bit where you talk with God, Jesus, Mary, or a saint at the end of a meditation. Very normal word if you are doing the Spiritual Exercises, weird anywhere else.
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Contribution
Fond Raccoon
Jun 15
law students see this in transcripts too. a colloquy can just be the judge and lawyers talking on the record, not witness testimony. So if a transcript says after a colloquy, dont picture some fancy seminar, its usually courtroom housekeeping
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Subtle Tapir
Jun 25
yep, and plea colloquy is the judge talking directly to the defendant, Rule 11 stuff in federal court.
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