collegial

[ kuh-lee-juhl, -jee-uhl; kuh-lee-gee-uhl ]

adjective

1. collegiate.
2. of or characterized by the collective responsibility shared by each of a group of colleagues, with minimal supervision from above.

collegial

/ kəˈliːdʒɪəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to a college
2. having authority or power shared among a number of people associated as colleagues

Derived Forms

• colˈlegially, adverb
• colˌlegiˈality, noun

Other Words From

• col·legi·al·ly adverb
• subcol·legi·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of collegial¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English word from Latin word collēgiālis. See college, -al ¹

Example Sentences

Viewers certainly could have as well, since the proceedings, though collegial, were dull enough for anybody to follow a second screen without missing much.

From Salon

Mostly they were agreeable and collegial, just a couple of Midwestern guys having a friendly disagreement after which, under other circumstances, they would go out and have a beer together.

From Salon

Along with chess matches, San Quentin is hosting kickball tournaments and flag football games as a way to foster more collegial relations.

From Los Angeles Times

In private, however, they were often friends or at the least collegial with one another.

From Salon

Director Tony Goldwyn opens his family dramedy “Ezra” in the warm, collegial comfort of a comedy club.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• concerted
• coordinated
• harmonious
• interdependent
• reciprocal
• symbiotic
• united