Differences between Colleague and College in English

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Colleague and College are often confused in terms of their definitions and usage due to their similar spellings. However, Colleague and College are two words with completely different meanings. In this article, PREP helps you understand the definitions, words/phrases, and the differences between Colleague and College. Read now!

I. What is Colleague?

According to the Cambridge and Oxford Learner's Dictionaries, Colleague is pronounced as/ˈkɑː.liːɡ/. Colleague acts as a noun, meaning: a person that you work with, especially in a profession or a business. For example:

Please read this memo carefully and hand it on to your colleagues.
Jack’s colleagues became suspicious when he did not appear at work anymore.

Words and phrases associated with Colleague:

Words/ phrases associated with Colleague	Example
Senior colleagues	I had the privilege of learning from my senior colleagues.
Male/ Female colleagues	In our diverse workplace, male and female colleagues collaborate seamlessly.
Dear colleague	I appreciate my dear colleague’s hard work and dedication to our team's success.
Distinguished colleague	I had the honor of presenting alongside a distinguished colleague at the international conference.
Experienced colleague	It's always beneficial to have an experienced colleague on the team.
Friends and colleagues	Celebrating the project's success with friends and colleagues made the achievement even more special.

II. What is College?

According to the Cambridge and Oxford Learner's Dictionaries, College is pronounced as /ˈkɑː.lɪdʒ/. Colleague acts as a noun, meaning: a place where students go to study or to receive training after they have left school/ a university where students can study for a degree after they have left school. For example:

I met my husband when we were in college.
Anna graduated from an art college.

Words and phrases associated with College:

Words/ phrases associated with College	Example
In college	During my time in college, I discovered a passion for literature.
At college	I met some of my closest friends at college.
College of	She enrolled in the college of Engineering to pursue her dream.
Go to college	Many students aspire to go to college to acquire professional knowledge and skills.
College student/professor	As a college student, Alex juggled academics and extracurricular activities.
Accredited college	It's crucial to choose an accredited college to ensure that the education provided meets established standards.
College administrator	The college administrator played a key role in managing campus affairs.
College application	Completing the college application process requires careful consideration of personal achievements.

III. Differences between Colleague and College

Colleague and College may seem similar in meaning at first glance, but they are used in different situations. Let's explore them with PREP right below!

Distinguish	Colleague	College
Definition	a person that you work with, especially in a profession or a business	a place where students go to study or to receive training after they have left school/ a university where students can study for a degree after they have left school
Pronunciation	/ˈkɑː.liːɡ/	/ˈkɑː.lɪdʒ/
Example	My colleague solved the problem very quickly.	My college friends became my colleagues.

IV. Exercises to distinguish Colleague and College

Let’s get a better grasp of the knowledge about the differences between Colleague and College through the exercises provided by PREP below!

Exercise: Fill in Colleague or College in the appropriate blanks

My ______ and I collaborated on a project to improve efficiency in the workplace.
It's always great to have a reliable ______ to share ideas with during team meetings.
______ life is a unique experience that shapes individuals for their future endeavors.
The ______ campus is a vibrant community with diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Despite our different roles, my ______ and I enjoy a friendly working relationship.
In ______, students have the opportunity to explore various academic disciplines.
I appreciate the support my ______ provided when I faced a challenging task.
The ______ library is a hub for research and study, providing resources for students.
Our team celebrated the success of a project, thanks to the hard work of each ______.
______ friendships often last a lifetime.
My _________ and I collaborated on an important project for the company last month.
After graduating from _________, I started my first full-time job as an accountant.
The department held a farewell party for our retiring _________ who had worked there for 20 years.
I'm considering applying to several Ivy League _________ for my graduate studies.
My _________ and I often grab lunch together to discuss work and catch up on life outside the office.

Answer:

Colleague
Colleague
College
College
Colleague
College
Colleague
College
Colleague
College
Colleague
College
Colleague
Colleges
Colleague

V. Take the First Step Towards IELTS Success

PREP hopes that through this article, you have understood the definitions, usages, and differences between Colleague and College. Pressed for time? Our intensive IELTS preparation courses are designed to help you achieve top results in record time, with practical tips and interactive lessons:

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Chloe

Product Content Admin

Hi I'm Chloe, and I am currently serving as an Product Content Administrator at Prep Education. With over five years of experience in independent online IELTS study and exam preparation, I am confident in my ability to support learners in achieving their highest possible scores.