forum
UK: ˈfɔːrəm | US: ˈfɔːrəm
n. a public meeting or assembly for open discussion
n. a medium (e.g., an online platform) for exchanging ideas or opinions
n. (historical) a public square or marketplace in ancient Rome
The word "forum" originates from Latin forum, meaning "public space, marketplace." It derives from the Proto-Indo-European root dhwor- ("door, gateway"), reflecting its role as an open gathering place. In ancient Rome, the Forum was the civic center for legal, commercial, and social activities. Over time, the term expanded to include any platform for discussion, retaining its core idea of a shared, accessible space.
The city council held a public forum to discuss the new policy.
Online forums allow users to debate topics anonymously.
The Roman Forum was the heart of political life in antiquity.
She posted her question on a tech forum and received helpful replies.
Academic forums encourage critical thinking and knowledge exchange.