I’m going to an event called a ‘gathering’ this weekend, which got me thinking about all the words we have in English for group meetings, like gatherings. Here are just a few: a meeting, a gathering, an assembly, a get-together. Although these are all synonyms they each have their own unique differences or connotations. Below I’ve re-listed these words, as well as others, which are all used to describe when groups of people come together for a common cause. I’ve also included how these words might be used differently, in slightly different situations.

assembly – this word is often used when talking about gatherings in schools, but can also be used for legislative, religious, educational, or social group gatherings

conference – this word is most often used for more formal meetings; often academic, educational, or business related meetings

convention – this word tends to be used for very large gatherings of people

gathering – this word tends to be used to describe when people come together for social or festive reasons around a specific purpose or theme

get-together – this words is often used for informal gatherings, like at a friends house

meeting – this word is used to talk about a group of people who have come together for a discussion

rally – this word is used to describe a group of people who have come together usually for a protest or to show support for a cause

summit – this word is used to describe a meeting between “important” people, often political or governmental leaders

Have you ever had a get-together or gone to a gathering of ESL learners? Maybe you could organize one!