council
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a group of people who meet to discuss specific topics or give expert advice.
an appointed or elected body of people organized to provide consultation, deliberation, or policy recommendations.
Simple“The school council met to discuss new rules for the playground.”
In context“The research council provides strategic oversight for scientific funding across the various university departments.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
a formal meeting of church leaders to decide on religious rules or beliefs.
an ecclesiastical assembly of bishops and other leaders convened to settle matters of doctrine or discipline.
Simple“The historic council changed several important traditions in the church.”
In context“The Second Vatican Council introduced significant reforms intended to modernize the relationship between the Church and the contemporary world.”
Synonyms
Usage council house · council estate · council housing
“So in 2021 I started my campaign to put power back where it belongs: in the hands of councils and local communities.”
“The researchers told the Emergency Medicine Journal that schools, local councils, youth groups and road safety campaigns all have a role to play.”
From Middle English counseil, conseil, from late Old English cuncile, from Anglo-Norman cuncile and Old French concile, from Latin concilium. Doublet of concelho.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.