The terms "
online" and "
offline" have specific meanings in regard to computer technology and
telecommunications in which "online" indicates a state of connectivity, while "offline" indicates a disconnected state. Common
vernacular extended from their computing and telecommunication meanings and refers specifically to an
Internet connection. Lastly, in the area of human interaction and conversation, discussions taking place during a business meeting are "online", while issues that do not concern all participants of the meeting should be "taken offline" — continued outside of the meeting.