Panel Meaning
Panel Definition & Usage
A flat, typically rectangular piece of material that forms part of a larger surface or structure.
Examples
- "The artist painted a beautiful landscape on a large wooden panel."
- "The door was made of several panels that could be replaced individually."
- "She added decorative panels to the walls of the room for a more modern look."
- "The car's interior has leather panels on the doors and seats."
- "The architect used glass panels to create an open and airy feel for the building."
A group of people gathered to discuss a topic, usually in front of an audience or on a broadcast.
Examples
- "The panel of experts discussed the latest advancements in renewable energy."
- "She was invited to speak on a panel about mental health awareness."
- "The political panel debated the effects of the new policy on the economy."
- "He was nervous about speaking on the panel, as he had never been in front of such a large audience."
- "The panel of judges will announce the winner of the competition at the end of the evening."
A flat, often rectangular, surface or assembly that contains electrical or mechanical components, such as buttons, switches, or displays.
Examples
- "The control panel of the machine was located at the front for easy access."
- "I need to check the circuit panel to ensure the system is properly connected."
- "The device's touch panel responded well to light taps, making it easy to use."
- "She installed a new electrical panel to manage the power supply to the entire building."
- "The cockpit panel of the airplane contains dozens of gauges and switches."
Cultural Context
The concept of a 'panel' has evolved over time, from its original meaning of a small section of material or wood to the modern usage referring to groups of experts in various fields. Panels have become a central feature of discussions, debates, and media production, especially in conferences, TV shows, and online broadcasts. The structure and layout of panels in media productions often convey authority or focus on specific subjects, making them a powerful tool for information dissemination and audience engagement.
The Panel Discussion
Story
The Panel Discussion
At the annual tech conference, Sarah found herself sitting nervously behind a sleek table on the stage. She was about to be part of a panel discussion about the future of artificial intelligence. The audience was large, and the spotlight made her feel a little overwhelmed. To her left sat James, an AI specialist from a leading tech company, and to her right, Emma, a renowned academic in the field of robotics. As the moderator introduced the topic, Sarah couldn't help but think back to the panel she had seen on television years ago, where experts debated whether AI would help or hinder humanity's future. She had been fascinated then, and now, she was on the other side, ready to contribute to the conversation. The discussion began with the moderator asking, "What role do you think artificial intelligence will play in our everyday lives in the next decade?" Sarah felt the weight of the question, but she quickly gathered her thoughts. "AI will likely become as integral to our daily lives as smartphones are today," she said, her voice steady. "It will assist us in ways we can't even imagine yet, from personalizing health care to optimizing energy usage." James chimed in, adding, "But we also need to consider the ethical implications—how AI can be regulated, and who controls the vast amount of data it relies on." Emma, the academic, nodded in agreement, highlighting concerns about privacy and job displacement. As the panel progressed, Sarah felt more confident, engaging in a back-and-forth with the panelists. The audience was captivated, asking insightful questions, and the three of them navigated the complexities of AI from different angles. For Sarah, being part of this panel was not just about sharing her knowledge, but also about learning from others and contributing to an important conversation that would shape the future. By the end of the discussion, Sarah realized that the true value of the panel wasn't in any one person's opinion but in the collective insight that came from diverse perspectives. She walked off the stage with a sense of accomplishment and a deep respect for the power of collaboration in tackling the challenges ahead.