Collegue vs. Colleague: Decoding the Right Spelling
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on December 26, 2023
"Collegue" is incorrect spelling while "Colleague" is correct, referring to a person with whom one works, especially in a professional or formal setting.
Which is correct: Collegue or Colleague
How to spell Colleague?
Collegue is Incorrect
Colleague is Correct
How to remember correct spelling of Colleague?
Break it down: "col" (like "college") + "league" (as in a sports league).
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Think of "league" in "colleague" as a team you work with.
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Dec 26, 2023
Remember, "colleague" has the same number of 'e's as "employee."
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Dec 26, 2023
Visualize "col-league," imagining a college league where professionals collaborate.
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Dec 26, 2023
Associate "league" with partnership, as in sports teams, similar to workplace teams.
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Dec 26, 2023
Colleague Definitions
An associate in a specific activity or endeavor
A scientist collaborating with a colleague on a joint research paper.
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Dec 15, 2023
Someone in the same field or job
A medical researcher discussing findings with a colleague from another lab.
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Dec 15, 2023
XA fellow worker or member of a profession
My colleague in the accounting department helped me resolve the budget issue.
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Dec 15, 2023
A partner in a professional practice
In law firms, colleagues often collaborate on complex cases.
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Dec 15, 2023
A co-worker in an office or institution
She consulted a colleague to get a second opinion on the project.
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Dec 15, 2023
A fellow member of a profession, staff, or academic faculty; an associate.
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Oct 19, 2023
A fellow member of a profession, staff, academic faculty or other organization; an associate.
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Oct 19, 2023
To unite or associate with another or with others.
Young Fortinbras,/ Holding a weak supposal of our worth/...Colleagued with the dream of his advantage,/...hath not failed to pester us with message/ Importing the surrender of those lands/Lost by his father. - Hamlet (Act I, Scene 2)
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Oct 19, 2023
A partner or associate in some civil or ecclesiastical office or employment. It is never used of partners in trade or manufactures.
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Oct 19, 2023
An associate you work with
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Oct 19, 2023
A person who is member of your class or profession;
The surgeon consulted his colleagues
He sent e-mail to his fellow hackers
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does "colleague" mean?
"Colleague" refers to a person one works with, especially in a professional or formal setting.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Is "colleague" a modern English word?
Yes, "colleague" is used in contemporary English, with its usage dating back several centuries.
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Dec 26, 2023
Can "colleague" refer to someone in a different company?
Typically, "colleague" refers to someone within the same organization, but it can loosely include industry peers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Is "collegue" ever a correct spelling?
No, "collegue" is always an incorrect spelling. The correct spelling is "colleague."
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 26, 2023
Can "colleague" have a negative connotation?
Generally, "colleague" is neutral, but context can give it a negative or positive connotation.
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Dec 26, 2023
Does the term "colleague" imply equal status?
While often implying equal status, "colleague" can refer to anyone in the same workplace or field.
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Dec 26, 2023
Why is "colleague" spelled with 'ea' instead of 'ue'?
"Colleague" comes from French and Latin, where 'ea' is often used in similar words, unlike 'ue.'
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Dec 26, 2023
How does one address a colleague?
Colleagues are usually addressed by their first names, professional titles, or Mr./Ms. followed by their surname.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is "colleague" used in both formal and informal contexts?
"Colleague" is more common in formal or professional contexts but can be used informally.
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Dec 26, 2023
What is the origin of the word "colleague"?
"Colleague" comes from the Latin 'collega', meaning 'partner in office,' and entered English via French.
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Dec 26, 2023
Are there any synonyms for "colleague"?
Synonyms include coworker, associate, peer, and partner, depending on the context.
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Dec 26, 2023
What's the difference between a colleague and a friend at work?
A colleague is a professional peer, while a work friend involves a personal relationship beyond professional duties.
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Dec 26, 2023
Is there a difference in using "colleague" in different cultures?
Yes, the context and formality of using "colleague" can vary across different cultures and workplaces.
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Dec 26, 2023
How can workplace relationships with colleagues be improved?
Improving relationships with colleagues involves communication, respect, and collaboration.
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Dec 26, 2023
How has the concept of a colleague evolved with remote work?
In remote work, "colleague" now often includes people who collaborate online, expanding the traditional workplace definition.
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Dec 26, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.