Congress
ˈkɒŋɡrəs
Definitions
3 meaningsA formal meeting or series of meetings for discussion between delegates, representatives, or members of a group.
ˈkɒŋɡrəs
A formal meeting of representatives
The congress of scientists discussed advancements in medical research.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big meeting where important people from different places get together to talk about important stuff, like how to make the world better. That meeting is a congress!
👶 For kids: A big meeting where grown-ups talk about important things and make decisions.
More Examples
The international congress was held in Geneva.
The newly elected congress began its legislative session.
How It's Used
"The United States Congress is responsible for making laws."
"Delegates attended the international congress to discuss climate change."
The legislature of a country, typically consisting of elected representatives.
ˈkɒŋɡrəs
The legislature of a nation or state
The US Congress passed a new law regarding immigration.
💡 Simply: Like the group of people in the government who make the rules and laws for the country. Think of it as the place where laws are born!
👶 For kids: A group of people who make the rules for a country.
More Examples
The power of the Congress is balanced by the executive and judicial branches.
The senator addressed the Congress on matters of national security.
How It's Used
"Members of Congress debated the new bill for several weeks."
Archaic: Sexual intercourse.
ˈkɒŋɡrəs
An act of coming together, especially for sexual intercourse
The archaic use of the term is rarely seen nowadays. (This example demonstrates how rarely it is used.)
💡 Simply: A very old way of saying when two people are... getting close, if you know what I mean. Not used much anymore.
👶 For kids: A very old word for when people love each other very much.
How It's Used
"He sought congress with the queen, but was denied."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
in congress
Referring to the United States legislative body.
"The bill was debated in Congress for several weeks."
From Latin *congressus* (a coming together, an encounter), past participle of *congredi* (to meet together).
The term 'congress' has been used since the 16th century to describe a formal assembly or meeting. Its use to describe a legislative body in the United States dates back to the late 18th century.
Memory tip
Think of a group of people coming together to 'con-gress' or make progress.
Word Origin
"a coming together, an encounter"