Council
'kaʊnsəl
Definitions
2 meaningsA group of people formally constituted and meeting regularly to make decisions or give advice on a particular subject.
'kaʊnsəl
A group of people elected or appointed to make decisions or give advice.
The city council approved the new park project.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of grown-ups meeting to make rules or give advice, like the people who run your town or school. They're a 'council'.
👶 For kids: A council is like a group of helpers who make decisions together.
More Examples
The United Nations Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
She was elected to the student council.
How It's Used
"The city council met to discuss the proposed budget."
"The company formed a council to address employee concerns."
"The student council organized a school fundraiser."
A meeting of people for discussion or decision-making.
'kaʊnsəl
A formal meeting for discussion and decision making.
The church council decided to update the building.
💡 Simply: A council can also be a fancy meeting where important people get together to talk and make choices, like a special meeting of leaders.
👶 For kids: A council is like a meeting where grown-ups talk and make decisions.
More Examples
The leaders called for a council to address the crisis.
The company executives held a council to discuss their strategy.
How It's Used
"The Council of Trent was a pivotal event in the history of the Catholic Church."
"The council of elders convened to discuss the matter."
Idioms & expressions
take counsel
To seek advice or guidance.
"Before making a big decision, she decided to take counsel from her mentor."
From Old French *councile* and Latin *concilium* ('assembly, meeting'), ultimately from *concilium*, meaning 'a gathering or assembly' , derived from *con-* ('with, together') + *calare* ('to summon').
Historically used in legal and religious contexts to denote formal assemblies for decision-making and judgment.
Memory tip
Think of a group gathered in a circle to give advice.