videoconference
B2Formal-neutral, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A meeting or discussion conducted between people in different locations using video and audio transmission technology.
The technology, system, or process of holding such a meeting. It can also refer to the event itself as an instance of communication.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used interchangeably with 'video call' in informal contexts, though 'videoconference' implies a more structured, multi-participant meeting, often in professional settings. Can be written as one word or hyphenated, with 'video conference' also common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The spelling 'videoconference' (one word) is slightly more common in British English, while 'video conference' (two words) is slightly more frequent in American English, though both forms are accepted everywhere. The hyphenated form 'videoconference' is a standard variant in both.
Connotations
Connotes professional or formal multi-party meetings more strongly than the casual 'video call'. In both varieties, it is associated with workplace and educational contexts.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in contemporary professional and academic English due to remote work trends. Ubiquitous in business and technical registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to videoconference with [PERSON/ORGANIZATION]to videoconference [DIRECT OBJECT - e.g., the meeting, the presentation]to have/hold a videoconferenceVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated. It is a modern technical term.]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Standard term for scheduled multi-party meetings with remote participants, e.g., 'The board will hold a videoconference with the Asian branch.'
Academic
Used for virtual lectures, tutorials, and doctoral defenses, e.g., 'The thesis defense will be conducted via videoconference.'
Everyday
Less common than 'video call'. Used when emphasizing the formal or multi-person aspect, e.g., 'My family's weekly videoconference is on Sunday.'
Technical
Refers to the underlying technology, protocols, and systems enabling real-time video and audio communication over networks.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to videoconference our suppliers in Hong Kong tomorrow.
- The team videoconferences every Friday at 9 am.
American English
- Let's videoconference the client to present the proposal.
- She videoconferenced in from her home office.
adverb
British English
- [No common adverbial use. The term does not function as a standard adverb.]
American English
- [No common adverbial use. The term does not function as a standard adverb.]
adjective
British English
- We installed new videoconference equipment in the boardroom.
- He has a videoconference interview next week.
American English
- The videoconference software needs an update.
- They discussed it on a videoconference call.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We see our grandparents on a videoconference.
- The teacher used a videoconference for the lesson.
- I joined the work meeting by videoconference.
- Could we arrange a videoconference instead of travelling?
- The international committee holds monthly videoconferences to coordinate policy.
- Poor internet bandwidth can severely disrupt a videoconference.
- The CEO's decision to conduct all board meetings via videoconference has reduced the company's carbon footprint.
- Advanced encryption protocols are essential for secure governmental videoconferences.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: VIDEO (seeing people) + CONFERENCE (a formal meeting) = a formal meeting where you see people on screen.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MEETING IS A VIRTUAL SPACE (e.g., 'enter the videoconference', 'leave the videoconference'). COMMUNICATION IS A CONDUIT (e.g., 'the videoconference dropped', 'a clear connection').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid calquing as '*video conference*' in Cyrillic; the established Russian borrowing is 'видеоконференция' (videokonferentsiya).
- Do not confuse with 'конференция' alone, which implies a large, in-person event. The 'video-' prefix is essential.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'video conference' (two words) in contexts where one word is prescribed (less critical).
- Using 'videoconference' for a one-on-one casual chat (where 'video call' is more apt).
- Incorrect stress: stressing 'con' instead of the first syllable of 'conference' (/ˈkɒn.frəns/).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate context for the word 'videoconference'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a noun ('We had a videoconference'). However, it is also widely accepted as a verb, especially in business English ('Let's videoconference tomorrow').
'Videoconference' typically implies a more formal, scheduled meeting with multiple participants, often in a professional context. 'Video call' is more general and can refer to any one-on-one or casual video communication.
In British English: /ˈvɪd.i.əʊˌkɒn.frəns/ (VID-ee-oh-KON-fruhns). In American English: /ˈvɪd.i.oʊˌkɑːn.frəns/ (VID-ee-oh-KAHN-fruhns). The main difference is the vowel in the 'con' syllable.
No, it is not incorrect. 'Videoconference' (one word), 'video-conference' (hyphenated), and 'video conference' (two words) are all widely accepted variant spellings. Style guides may prefer one, but all are understandable.