Consultation

/ˌkɒnsəlˈteɪʃən/

nounIntermediateCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A meeting with an expert or professional to seek advice or information.

/ˌkɒnsəlˈteɪʃən/

nounneutralIntermediate
General

A meeting to discuss something or seek advice.

The patient had a consultation with a cardiologist.

💡 Simply: Imagine you have a problem, and you go talk to someone who knows a lot about it to get their advice. That meeting is a consultation! Like, if your car is broken, you get a consultation with a mechanic.

👶 For kids: When you talk to someone who knows a lot about something to get their help. Like when you talk to a doctor.

More Examples

2

The company held a consultation with employees regarding the new policy.

3

The lawyer provided a brief consultation about the legal process.

How It's Used

Medical

"The doctor scheduled a consultation to discuss the patient's test results."

Business

"The CEO held a consultation with the board of directors."

Legal

"The lawyer recommended a consultation to assess the case's potential."

2

The process of formally seeking advice or opinions before making a decision.

/ˌkɒnsəlˈteɪʃən/

nounneutralAdvanced
General

The act of consulting or discussing something.

The company made the decision after a period of consultation.

💡 Simply: It's like when people gather together to talk and share their ideas before making an important decision, like choosing the best way to solve a problem or deciding on a new rule.

👶 For kids: Talking and listening to ideas before making a decision.

More Examples

2

Public consultation is crucial for effective policy-making.

3

The research underwent several stages of consultation.

How It's Used

Government

"The government initiated a public consultation on the proposed legislation."

Business

"The project was approved after extensive consultation with stakeholders."

Tip:Imagine a town hall meeting to vote for a new law.

Idioms & expressions

public consultation

The process of involving the public in the decision-making process, usually by seeking their feedback and opinions on a matter.

"The government launched a public consultation to gather feedback on the new environmental regulations."

seek a consultation

To request a meeting or session to get advice or information.

"I need to seek a consultation with a financial advisor about my investment options."

From Latin *consultatio*, from the verb *consulere* ('to consult'), meaning to seek advice or information.

The term has been used since the late 14th century, initially referring to the action of deliberating or taking counsel.

Memory tip

Think of a doctor's appointment to remember the word.

consulationconsultasionconsulatation

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written