Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal conversation or dialogue: "Colloquy" refers to a serious, often structured, exchange of ideas or opinions, typically between two or more people. It implies a more deliberate and weighty discussion than casual talk.
   • A written dialogue: In literature or law, it can denote a written work in the form of a conversation or a formal discussion within a legal proceeding.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The scholars engaged in a deep colloquy on the ethics of artificial intelligence.
  • The book presents a colloquy between a philosopher and a scientist.
  • The judge called for a brief colloquy with the attorneys at the bench.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• "To hold a colloquy with (someone)": To engage in a formal discussion with a specific person or group.
  • The ambassador held a private colloquy with the foreign minister.
• The term is formal and is often used in academic, legal, literary, or diplomatic contexts. It is not used for everyday, informal chats.

Variants and Related Words

• Colloquial (adj): (Language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.
  • "Gonna" is a colloquial contraction of "going to".
• Colloquium (n): An academic conference or seminar.
  • She presented her research at an international colloquium.

Synonyms

• Dialogue: A conversation between two or more people.
• Conference: A formal meeting for discussion.
• Parley: A conference between opposing sides in a dispute, especially a discussion of terms for an armistice.
• Discourse: Written or spoken communication or debate.

Antonyms

• Monologue: A long speech by one person in a conversation.
• Silence: Complete absence of sound or speech.

Idioms and Phrases

Noun

1. formal conversation
2. a conversation especially a formal one