Words / B1

FORR-uh-m/ˈfɔːrəm/

A forum is a meeting or online space for public discussion: an online forum; a public forum. Discussion board is a close twin. Conference is larger and more formal. Do not call a private group chat a public forum in a legal essay without checking. UK councils hold residents’ forums.

Meaning

A meeting or online space where people discuss a public issue.

Examples

• “Parents used the online forum to question the new timetable.”
• “A public forum on the bypass was held in the town hall.”

Good to know

an online / public forum. Close: discussion board. Larger: conference. Legal writing: public forum has a precise sense. Council: residents’ forum.

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