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Convoke Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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convoke

[kənˈvoʊk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

formal gathering

To convoke means to call together or summon a group of people for a meeting or assembly. This term is often used in legal, academic, or organizational contexts where formal gatherings are required. The act of convoking can involve setting a date and time, distributing agendas, and ensuring that participants are notified in advance. The purpose of convoking is to facilitate discussions, decision-making, or the initiation of important actions. It emphasizes the authority or responsibility of the person who is calling the meeting.

Synonyms

assemble, call together, gather, summon.

Examples of usage

  • The committee decided to convoke a special session to address urgent matters.
  • The president will convoke the council next week to discuss the new policies.
  • They have been known to convoke annual meetings to review progress.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In ancient Rome, convoking assemblies was essential for governance and law-making.
  • In ecclesiastical contexts, bishops often convoked synods to discuss church matters.

Legal Use

  • In legal terms, to convoke means to summon a legislative assembly to enact laws or debate issues.
  • Some countries have constitutional provisions requiring certain bodies to be convoked for specific purposes, like approving budgets.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, you often hear characters convoking groups when crisis plans are laid out, emphasizing urgency.
  • The concept of convoking is often dramatized in political thrillers where leaders gather advisors to decide on pivotal actions.

Communication

  • Effective convocation involves clear instructions, often in written form, such as memos or invitations.
  • In a digital age, convoking can also refer to organizing virtual meetings or conferences through platforms like Zoom.

Origin of 'convoke'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'convocare', meaning 'to call together', combining 'con' (together) and 'vocare' (to call).
  • It was adopted into English in the late 15th century as a formal term for calling meetings.

The word 'convoke' originates from the Latin 'convocare', which means 'to call together'. It is formed from 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'vocare' meaning 'to call'. The term has been used in English since the mid-15th century, primarily in legal and formal contexts to refer to the summoning of meetings or assemblies. Over time, its usage has extended to various fields, including governance, academia, and corporate environments. As societies evolved, the need for organized gatherings to facilitate discussions and decision-making became more pronounced, leading to the continued relevance of the term in modern usage.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,915 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.