What is colleague? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "colleague" in English. It's a pretty versatile word, but it has a specific meaning.

1. Basic Definition:

• Colleague means a person who works with you, typically in the same job or organization. It’s someone you share a workspace and responsibilities with.

2. Common Ways to Use "Colleague":

• Referring to someone you work with: "I'm working with a colleague on this project to improve the marketing strategy."
• Introducing someone you work with: "This is Sarah, my colleague from the accounting department."
• Discussing teamwork: "We need to communicate better with our colleagues to finish this report on time."
• Formal language: “I would like to thank my colleagues for their hard work and dedication.” (More polite than "people I work with")
• Describing a professional relationship: “I consider my colleagues to be a valuable resource.”

3. Distinctions & Nuances:

• Distinguish from 'coworker': While "colleague" and "coworker" are often used interchangeably, "colleague" generally implies a more formal or professional relationship. “Coworker” can be more casual.
• "Colleagues" (plural): The plural form is "colleagues." It's a slightly more formal word than “coworkers.”
• “Fellow colleague”: You might hear “fellow colleague” used for emphasis, especially in presentations or speeches, but it’s a bit more stylistic and less common in everyday conversation.

4. Examples in Sentences:

• “I appreciate the support of my colleagues during this challenging time.”
• “Our colleague John has extensive experience in data analysis.”
• "Let's schedule a meeting with our colleagues to discuss the new budget.”
• "It's important to maintain a professional relationship with all your colleagues."

5. Related Words & Phrases:

• Team member: Someone who is part of your team.
• Work associate: Similar to a colleague.
• Peer: Someone at your level in a profession or organization.
• Collaborator: Someone you work with closely on a specific project.

Resources for Further Learning:

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colleague
• Cambridge Dictionary: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/colleague
• Oxford Learner's Dictionaries: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/colleague

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

• In what context are you thinking of using the word "colleague"? (e.g., writing an email, speaking in a meeting, etc.)