A colleague is a person you work with, especially in a profession or office. They may not be your friend, but you share tasks, projects, or a workplace.
“Colleague” comes from French “collègue,” from Latin “collega,” meaning “partner in office,” from “com-” (together) and “legare” (to choose, appoint). It originally referred to people holding office together.
The word quietly says your coworkers are people “chosen with you” for a shared role. That’s why “colleague” often sounds more respectful and equal than “coworker”—it hints at a shared professional status.
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