congress
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the group of people elected to make the laws of a country, especially in the United States.
n.the national legislative body of a nation, specifically the bicameral legislature of the United States consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Simple“The new law must be approved by Congress before the President can sign it.”
In context“The bill faced significant opposition in Congress, where members of both parties debated its long-term economic implications for several weeks.”
UsageOften capitalized when referring to a specific national body.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a large formal meeting or series of meetings where people from a particular profession or group discuss their work.
n.a formal assembly or conference of delegates or representatives for the discussion or settlement of some matter.
Simple“Medical experts from around the world attended the international congress on heart disease.”
In context“The annual congress of the trade union provided a platform for delegates to vote on the proposed changes to the labour contract.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.an organization made up of several different groups that have similar interests.
n.a society or association formed by a federation of various smaller organisations or interest groups.
Simple“The Trades Union Congress represents millions of workers across the country.”
In context“The national congress of parents and teachers works to improve the quality of public education through coordinated advocacy.”
Synonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.the special name for a group of baboons.
n.the collective noun specifically used for a troop or group of baboons.
Simple“We watched a congress of baboons moving across the grassy plain.”
In context“The wildlife documentary highlighted the complex social hierarchy maintained within a congress of baboons during the dry season.”
- 05 C2 Proficiency
v.to come together in a large group for a formal meeting.
v.to meet or assemble in a formal capacity or as part of a congress.
Simple“The delegates will congress in the main hall at noon.”
In context“The various tribal leaders agreed to congress annually to resolve territorial disputes and maintain the peace treaty.”
“Jacobs announced she was beginning the egg freezing process in 2021, at a time where she said few lawmakers were discussing the topic in the halls of Congress.”
“It was never built, and Congress ended Nasa’s modest funding for Seti projects in 1993.”
From congress.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.