consultation
/ˌkɒnslˈteɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌkɑːnslˈteɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌkän(t)-səl-ˈtā-shən/ (ame, mw)
consultation — noun
- consultationsingular
- consultationsplural
1. a meeting where people gather to discuss a topic or ask for guidance, especially
a meeting where people gather to discuss a topic or ask for guidance, especially before reaching a decision
The school board held a consultation with parents about the new curriculum.
consultation with [group] about [topic]
Jiwoo attended a community consultation regarding the planned subway extension.
A consultation between the legal teams helped clarify the contract terms.
Chidi scheduled a consultation with an immigration lawyer to discuss his visa options.
The city council held three public consultations before approving the new housing plan.
- meeting
a more general term; consultation emphasises seeking advice
- conference
usually larger and more formal than a consultation
- session
can refer to any period of activity; a consultation is specifically advisory
文法句型
consultation + with/about/on
2. the practice of asking for guidance or opinions from others, particularly those
the practice of asking for guidance or opinions from others, particularly those with relevant knowledge, before acting
The new safety rules were written in consultation with firefighters and engineers.
in consultation with [experts]
After consultation with her professor, Aylin chose a different research topic.
after consultation with [person]
The manager made the change without proper consultation of the staff.
The team leader promised to make the decision only after full consultation with everyone involved.
Ezra's proposal was accepted following consultation with the finance department.
- discussion
more general; consultation implies specifically seeking expert input
- deliberation
focuses on careful consideration; more formal
- debate
involves arguing opposing views; consultation is more cooperative
文法句型
in consultation with [person/group]
consultation of [document/group]
用法筆記
This sense is typically uncountable and often appears in the fixed phrase 'in consultation with'. Distinguish from Sense 1, which refers to a specific countable event rather than the process itself.
常見錯誤
3. a private meeting with a doctor or other professional expert to examine a patien
a private meeting with a doctor or other professional expert to examine a patient or problem and give specialist advice
Dr. Okafor's consultations are usually booked three weeks in advance.
possessive + consultations + passive: are booked
Aarav had a telephone consultation with his lawyer about the property dispute.
The hospital offers online consultations for patients with follow-up needs.
The patient's consultation revealed a condition that required immediate surgery.
Pedro waited forty minutes for his consultation with the dermatologist.
- appointment
more general; consultation specifically means advice is given
- examination
focuses on physical check-up; a consultation may be just a discussion
文法句型
consultation with [specialist]
consultation for [condition/problem]
用法筆記
Frequently collocates with medical specialists: 'psychiatric consultation', 'surgical consultation', 'dental consultation'. Also used for legal and financial advisors. The meeting is a scheduled appointment, not an emergency.