convoke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Academic, Official
Quick answer
What does “convoke” mean?
To call together for a formal meeting, assembly, or conference.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To call together for a formal meeting, assembly, or conference.
To formally summon a group of people to gather, typically for deliberation, ceremony, or decision-making.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. It is slightly more common in legal and ecclesiastical contexts in UK English. The form 'convoke' is standard in both.
Connotations
Slightly archaic or elevated in everyday use in both varieties. More common in historical, political, or legal contexts. In the US, it may be associated with university convocations.
Frequency
Very low frequency in casual speech in both regions. Slightly higher in UK official or historical writing. It is a specialised, learned term.
Grammar
How to Use “convoke” in a Sentence
[Authority/Subject] convoke [Assembly/Object] (e.g., The president convoked the council.)[Authority/Subject] convoke [Assembly/Object] for/in order to [Purpose] (e.g., The king convoked the estates to address the crisis.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “convoke” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The monarch retains the power to convoke and dissolve Parliament.
- The archbishop convoked a synod to discuss the matter.
- They will convoke a committee of inquiry next week.
American English
- The president has the authority to convoke a special session of Congress.
- The university will convoke a special assembly to award honorary degrees.
- The board was convoked to address the financial irregularities.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form is used. 'Convocatively' is not standard.
- The assembly was convoked promptly.
American English
- No standard adverb form is used. 'Convocatively' is not standard.
- He acted convokingly (non-standard/rare).
adjective
British English
- The convoking authority is clearly defined in the charter.
- There is a convoking ceremony preceding the formal sessions.
American English
- The convoking body is the executive committee.
- The convoking process is outlined in our bylaws.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in bylaws: "The board chair may convoke an emergency meeting."
Academic
Used in history, political science, or law to describe the formal summoning of a legislative body or council.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be considered formal or pretentious.
Technical
Used in parliamentary procedure, ecclesiastical law, and historical descriptions of governance.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “convoke”
- Using 'convoke' for an informal meeting of friends.
- Confusing 'convoke' (to call together) with 'invoke' (to call upon, e.g., a spirit or a rule).
- Incorrectly using the preposition: 'convoke to a meeting' (should be 'convoke a meeting').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Convoke' is more formal and emphasises the act of summoning by authority. 'Convene' is more general and can refer to the act of gathering or the time a meeting starts. 'Convoke' is almost always transitive (convoke a meeting), while 'convene' can be intransitive (the meeting convenes).
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. It is primarily used in official, legal, historical, and academic contexts. Most learners will rarely encounter it outside specialised texts.
The most common related noun is 'convocation'. It refers to the group that has been convoked or the act of convoking (e.g., a university convocation).
It is possible in a very formal or official context (e.g., "The chair convoked a virtual meeting of the international tribunal"), but 'convene', 'call', or 'summon' would be far more typical. 'Convoke' has an archaic feel that doesn't naturally fit most modern digital contexts.
To call together for a formal meeting, assembly, or conference.
Convoke is usually formal, academic, official in register.
Convoke: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈvəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈvoʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms with 'convoke'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The voice (voc-) of the CONgress calls them together to CONVOKE. (from Latin 'vocare', to call).
Conceptual Metaphor
CALLING IS SUMMONING AUTHORITY (The act of calling together is an exercise of institutional power).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is 'convoke' LEAST likely to be used?