Council
UK /["/ˈkaʊnsl/"]/US /["/ˈkaʊnsl/"]/
Definition
a group of people who are elected to govern an area such as a city or county
In simple words: A group of people who meet to make decisions or advice on a topic.
Examples
- The city council voted to improve public transportation.
- She was elected as a member of the local council.
- The council met to discuss important community issues.
- They held a council to address the needs of the citizens.
- The council's decision will affect many families in the area.
Usage notes
Used in formal contexts, often to describe a group that makes decisions, like a city council. Avoid in casual conversations.
Grammar pattern
council + of + noun
Memory hint
Think of a 'counsel' of wise owls meeting to make important decisions.
Collocations
- executive
- governing
- ruling
- elect
- control
- gain control of
- meet
- vote
- adopt something
- elections
- member
- representative
- on a/the council
- a seat on a council
- apply to
- provide
- spend
- employee
- staff
- worker
- advisory
- funding
- governing
- create
- establish
- form
- award somebody something
- give somebody something
- member
- council for
Synonyms
- committee
- board
- panel
- assembly
- congress
Antonyms
- disorganization
- chaos
Common mistakes
- Confusing 'council' with 'counsel' (advice).
- Using 'council' as a verb.
- 'Council' is often mistaken for 'counsel' because of similar pronunciation.