verb

convene

/kənˈviːn/ · say it: kuhn·VEEN

to come together for a meeting

In Actions & Behavior

In more detail

1. (verb) to bring together or arrange a meeting; to call a meeting

2. (verb) to come together as a group

Examples

1. The president will convene Congress to discuss the new law.
2. The committee members convene every month to review progress.

How to use convene

Convene is a formal verb used primarily in official or institutional contexts, such as government, law, or business. It can mean either to call a meeting (transitive) or to gather together (intransitive). It emphasizes the official or formal nature of bringing people together, and is more formal than 'meet' or 'gather'.

Common phrases

convene a meeting
convene a session
convene Congress
convene the committee
convene to discuss

Synonyms

assemble · gather · summon · call together · bring together

Opposites

adjourn · disperse · disband

Word family

convention · convener · convened · convening

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'convene' with 'convict' or forget that it can be used intransitively (e.g., 'The board convened to vote').

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