Convene: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
Convene – Definition and Part of Speech
Convene is a verb that means to come together or assemble for a meeting or purpose. It typically refers to organized gatherings such as conferences, councils, or assemblies, where individuals gather for discussion, decision-making, or deliberation.
Grammatical Forms:
- Present: convene
- Past: convened
- Past Participle: convened
- Gerund/Participle: convening
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assemble | Often implies gathering a group physically, sometimes suggesting urgency or purpose. | “The delegates will assemble in the main hall by 9 AM.” | Formal/Business |
| Gather | A more general term for coming together; can be physical or metaphorical. | “We gathered around to share our experiences from the trip.” | Casual/Academic |
| Summon | Implies a formal or authoritative call, often with an expectation of compliance. | “The chairman summoned the members to discuss urgent matters.” | Formal/Business |
| Call together | A straightforward way to express bringing people to a meeting or event. | “She called together her friends for a surprise party.” | Informal/Casual |
Usage Notes
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Assemble is suitable in contexts where formal gatherings are involved, such as corporate meetings or military formations.
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Gather can be used both formally and informally and doesn’t always imply a structured event. It’s ideal for describing casual meetups or groupings.
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Summon has a stronger connotation of authority or necessity, often used in formal settings where compliance is expected, such as legal or governmental meetings.
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Call together is versatile and commonly used in conversational English to indicate the act of bringing people to an event, often with a personal touch or informal tone.
Common Pitfalls
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It’s important not to confuse convene, which focuses on assembling for discussion or decision-making purposes, with synonyms like meet, which might imply more casual or less structured encounters.
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Beware of the context in which you use these terms; for instance, summon should only be used when there’s a sense of formality and authority behind the gathering.
Final Recap
In summary, while all synonyms discussed relate to bringing people together, nuances in their usage are key. “Convene” is often best suited for formal assemblies or discussions, whereas “assemble” also emphasizes physical coming together but can apply to both structured and unstructured contexts. “Gather” provides a more general sense of collection, useful across many scenarios. Meanwhile, “summon” carries an authoritative tone appropriate for official or mandatory gatherings, while “call together” offers a casual option suited for informal invitations.
To effectively enhance your vocabulary, practice using these synonyms in varied contexts, crafting sentences, and engaging in discussions to feel comfortable with their connotations and proper applications.