Congress Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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congress
[ˈkɒŋɡrɛs ]
Definitions
government
A formal meeting or series of meetings for discussion between delegates, especially those from a political party or trade union.
Synonyms
conference, convention, gathering.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| congress |
A formal meeting where representatives from various groups discuss actions or decisions, often related to legislation or major organizational changes.
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| conference |
A larger, formal meeting usually organized to discuss specific topics, share research, or provide training. Can be academic, business-related, or professional.
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| convention |
An event or gathering where people with a common interest, often from a specific industry, meet to network, discuss ideas, and showcase new products or services.
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| gathering |
A more casual and informal meeting or assembly of people, often for social purposes or smaller-scale events.
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Examples of usage
- The annual congress of the Democratic Party.
- The congress will convene next month to discuss the new legislation.
history
The national legislative body of a country, especially that of the United States.
Synonyms
assembly, legislature, parliament.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| congress |
Used primarily in the United States to refer to the national legislative body, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. It can also describe a large formal meeting or series of meetings where political issues are discussed.
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| legislature |
A general term for an elected body of people that makes, changes, and repeals laws. It can be used to describe the legislative branches of state governments within countries like the United States.
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| parliament |
Used primarily in countries with a parliamentary system of government, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Refers to the supreme legislative body where various members debate and make laws.
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| assembly |
Often used to refer to a group of people gathered together for a common purpose, especially legislative bodies, but can also apply to any formal meeting or gathering.
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Examples of usage
- The U.S. Congress consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
- The Congress passed the new bill with a majority vote.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'congress'
The word 'congress' originates from the Latin word 'congressus' which means 'a meeting, a hostile encounter'. The term was first used in the 16th century to refer to a formal meeting or assembly. In the context of the United States, 'Congress' specifically refers to the national legislative body established by the U.S. Constitution. It plays a crucial role in the governance and law-making processes of the country.