Conclave Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
conclave
[หkษลkleษชv ]
Definition
meeting, assembly
A conclave is a private meeting or assembly, especially one held for the purpose of making important decisions. The term is most commonly associated with the gathering of cardinals in the Roman Catholic Church to elect a new pope. However, it can also refer to any gathering of individuals who come together to discuss or decide on matters of significance. The atmosphere at a conclave is often characterized by secrecy and confidentiality.
Synonyms
assembly, conference, council, gathering, meeting.
Examples of usage
- The conclave convened to elect the new leader.
- A conclave of experts met to tackle the urgent issues facing the community.
- During the conclave, strict measures were taken to ensure privacy.
Translations
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Origin of 'conclave'
The word 'conclave' originates from the Latin term 'conclavis', meaning 'locked room' or 'enclosed space'. This Latin root is derived from 'con-' meaning 'with' and 'clavis' meaning 'key'. The term was historically used to denote the environment in which cardinals would gather, often in a locked room to ensure that they could not be influenced by outside forces during the papal election process. The practice of holding a conclave for electing a pope became formalized in the 13th century, and the term itself has evolved to signify various types of private gatherings where important decisions are made under conditions of secrecy.