convocate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, academic, ceremonial
Quick answer
What does “convocate” mean?
to call together or summon a formal assembly or meeting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to call together or summon a formal assembly or meeting
to formally bring people together for a ceremony, often a graduation or academic event; to convene
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is archaic in UK English and virtually never used. In North American English, particularly in Canada, it has a specific, active use within university contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, it sounds obsolete or overly Latinate. In the US/Canada, it carries a formal, ceremonial, and institutional connotation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general English; primarily institutional jargon found in Canadian and some US university ceremonies.
Grammar
How to Use “convocate” in a Sentence
[Sb] convocate [Sb/Group][Sb] be convocated (for/in/at [Event])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “convocate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chancellor shall convocate the university court in times of crisis.
American English
- The university will convocate all graduating seniors in the main quadrangle.
adjective
British English
- The convocated members of the clergy processed into the cathedral.
American English
- Convocation week is busy for all convocated students and their families.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in extremely formal corporate charters ('the board shall convocate quarterly').
Academic
Primary context. Used for graduation ceremonies, especially in Canada (e.g., 'She will convocate this spring').
Everyday
Virtually never used. 'Graduate' or 'have a graduation' is used instead.
Technical
Used in formal procedural language for parliamentary or religious assemblies.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “convocate”
- Using it as a common synonym for 'graduate'. Incorrect: 'I convocated from university last year.' Correct: 'I was convocated last spring' or 'I graduated...'.
- Using it in active voice in everyday contexts sounds unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, formal word. Most native speakers will never use it.
'Graduate' means to successfully complete a course of study. 'Convocate' refers specifically to the formal act of being summoned to receive your degree in a ceremony. You graduate from a programme; you are convocated at a ceremony.
Yes, but it's rare. An institution convocates people (active). People are convocated (passive). The passive participle 'convocated' is far more common.
Primarily on Canadian university websites, in graduation (convocation) materials, and in very formal historical or procedural texts referring to summoning assemblies.
to call together or summon a formal assembly or meeting.
Convocate is usually formal, academic, ceremonial in register.
Convocate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒn.və.keɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːn.və.keɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be convocated into office”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CONvoke' (to call) and 'loCATE' (to place) together. To CONVOCATE is to call people and locate them together in one place.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORMAL GATHERING IS A SUMMONS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'convocate' MOST likely to be used correctly?