Academics often participate in colloquiums, which are meetings where specialists discuss certain topics, have debates, and answer questions. The word comes from the Latin “colloquium,” from “colloqui,” meaning “to converse.” “Colloquy” is a similar, but lesser-known noun from the same root. It can refer to a high-level discussion on specific topics, much like “colloquium,” but it can also refer to any conversation among people. If you want to impress someone with your vocabulary, ask them to have a colloquy with you.