WordGarden.iocouncil
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈaʊnsəl/
US
- /ˈkaʊnsəl/
Meanings
Noun
an official group chosen to govern, advise, or make decisions
a formal assembly or meeting for discussion and decision-making
Beyond the definition
Imagine a king facing a difficult decision—he wouldn't make it alone! He'd likely gather his most trusted advisors, forming a council to discuss the problem and offer guidance. A council is essentially a group of people who come together to deliberate, give advice, or make decisions. It can be formal, like a city council making local rules, or informal, like a parent-teacher council discussing school improvements. You might even have an "inner circle"—your personal council of friends you turn to for support. (Don’t confuse council with counsel, which means advice or a lawyer.)
The word council refers to a group of people assembled for consultation or decision-making. It's more than just any gathering; a council usually has a specific purpose and often some degree of authority. Think of the United Nations Security Council, which addresses global conflicts, or a tribal council making decisions for its community.
It’s easy to mix up council with counsel. A council is a group; counsel is advice (and in law, it can also mean a lawyer or lawyers).
Historically, councils were common in monarchies—groups of nobles advising the king. Today, we see them everywhere: city councils governing local areas, school boards overseeing education, and even advisory councils offering expertise to businesses. The members of a council are often chosen for their knowledge, experience, or representation of a particular group.
The word can also be used more broadly to describe any assembly where people discuss issues. You might say "a council of war" when military leaders meet to plan strategy, or "the family held a council" to decide on vacation plans.
However, it's important to note that a council isn't always about power. It can simply be a forum for sharing ideas and reaching consensus. So, whether it's shaping policy, guiding an organization, or just helping a family make a decision, a council is all about collective wisdom and collaborative action.
Examples
- 1
Local government
The town council approved plans for a new library.
- 2
Council membership
She has been on the council for nearly ten years.
- Phraseon the council
serving as a member of it
- 3
Public complaints
Local residents complained to the council about the noise from the nightclub.
- 4
Public meeting
The council is meeting tonight to discuss parking fees.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Advisory group
The president formed an advisory council of scientists and business leaders.
- Phraseadvisory council
a group that gives advice
- 6
School life
The student council asked the principal for a longer lunch break.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- governing body
- advisory body
- commission
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- city council
- council meeting
- council member
- student council
Word family
- councilor
- councillor
Explore
- local government
- deliberation
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- councilnounadjective
Forms
- councilspluralnounadjective