seminário

Seminário is a Portuguese term with multiple related meanings. It derives from Latin seminarium, meaning seedbed, a metaphor for a place where ideas, knowledge, or vocations are cultivated. In contemporary usage it commonly refers to two related kinds of institutions or events: an academic seminar and a religious seminary.

Academic seminars are focused, interactive sessions on a defined topic, often part of higher education. They frequently involve student or researcher presentations, discussions, required readings, and the preparation of papers or projects. Seminars are typically smaller than lecture courses and emphasize participation, critique, and the development of specialized knowledge or skills. The word is widely used in Portugal and Brazil to describe graduate seminars, research seminars, or departmental meetings.

Religious seminaries are institutions for training clergy or religious leaders. In the Catholic tradition, they may be organized as seminário menor (minor seminary) and seminário maior (major seminary), offering studies in philosophy, theology, spiritual formation, and pastoral preparation. Historically male-only, many institutions now admit lay students or operate coeducational programs, with practices varying by denomination and country.

Beyond these uses, seminários can denote short workshops or conferences, especially within professional or academic contexts. Regional usage varies, but the core idea is a structured setting designed to cultivate knowledge, vocation, or practical skills.