conge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareFormal/Archaic
Quick answer
What does “conge” mean?
A formal permission to depart.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal permission to depart; a dismissal, especially a ceremonious one.
A formal bow or curtsey, especially one made when taking leave; a farewell gesture. In historical contexts, a formal dismissal from service or employment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant modern regional differences exist due to extreme rarity. Historically, it might have been slightly more familiar in British contexts relating to monarchy and ceremony.
Connotations
Connotes formality, ceremony, and historical distance in both varieties.
Frequency
Effectively zero in contemporary usage for both. Might be encountered marginally more in UK historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “conge” in a Sentence
to give [INDIRECT OBJECT] [POSSESSIVE] congeto take one's conge [from DIRECT OBJECT]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “conge” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ambassador was conged from the court.
- He conged himself with a deep bow.
American English
- The envoy was conged by the president.
- She conged from the assembly.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business contexts.
Academic
Rare, only in historical or literary studies discussing 17th-19th century texts or etiquette.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “conge”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “conge”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “conge”
- Misspelling as 'conge' (without accent) is common but the acute accent (congé) is often dropped in English.
- Pronouncing it as /kɒndʒ/ like 'sponge'.
- Using it in contemporary contexts where 'dismissal' or 'goodbye' is appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic or historical. You are unlikely to encounter it outside of specific literary or historical contexts.
'Conge' implies a formal, often ceremonial, dismissal or leave-taking, usually granted by a superior. 'Goodbye' is a general, neutral term for farewell used in all registers.
The acute accent on the 'e' (congé) is from the original French. In English, it is frequently omitted ('conge'), though some style guides or publications may retain it for clarity of pronunciation and origin.
Yes, though even rarer. As a verb, it means to take formal leave or to dismiss someone ceremoniously (e.g., 'He was conged from his post').
A formal permission to depart.
Conge is usually formal/archaic in register.
Conge: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒnʒeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːnʒeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give someone his conge (to dismiss someone formally)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONGE' as a CONGealed farewell - a formal, set, stiff way of saying goodbye.
Conceptual Metaphor
DEPARTURE IS A GRANTED PERMISSION (The act of leaving is conceptualized as something formally given by an authority).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'conge' be MOST appropriately used?