Council Meaning
Council Definition & Usage
A group of people who are elected or appointed to make decisions or advise on specific issues within a community, organization, or governing body.
Examples
- "The city council held a special meeting to discuss the new zoning laws."
- "The council voted unanimously to approve the new budget."
- "A local council member was asked to speak about the recent environmental policy changes."
- "The university council meets monthly to review academic programs and student affairs."
- "The council's decision to build a new park was met with strong support from the residents."
A formal gathering of individuals to discuss and make decisions about important issues, often related to governance or leadership.
Examples
- "The council gathered to debate the new healthcare policy."
- "The council will convene at 3 p.m. to address the emergency situation."
- "After the council meeting, the decision was made to extend the curfew by one week."
- "A special council was called to resolve the ongoing conflict between two factions."
- "The board of directors will attend the council to discuss the future of the company."
To gather for consultation or to discuss matters collectively, often in a formal setting.
Examples
- "The committee will council with experts before making a final decision."
- "She was asked to council the new recruits on company policies."
- "The leaders of the organization council together regularly to discuss strategic goals."
- "Before proceeding, the team decided to council on the best approach for the project."
- "The chief executives council every quarter to ensure alignment on key initiatives."
Cultural Context
The term 'council' has roots in governance and has evolved to cover both formal decision-making bodies and advisory groups in various sectors of society. It often implies a structured group with the authority to make decisions or offer guidance on key issues. In modern usage, councils exist at local, national, and organizational levels.
The Council of Dissent
Story
The Council of Dissent
In the small town of Eastwood, the annual meeting of the town council was about to take place. The local council had been in session for years, but this time, tensions were high. The mayor had announced a new set of zoning laws that would drastically change the landscape of the town. Everyone in the council chamber could feel the weight of the decision ahead. As the council members sat around the table, debate erupted between the traditionalists, who wanted to preserve the town's quaint charm, and the progressives, who saw the new zoning laws as a necessary step toward modernization. Margaret, the council chair, called for order, her voice steady but firm. 'We need to decide what is best for the future of Eastwood.' Jack, one of the newer council members, hesitated before speaking. He knew this was not just another meeting. The decisions made today would shape the town's future for decades. 'I believe we need to council with the community more before we vote,' Jack suggested, looking around the room. The room fell silent. Margaret nodded, acknowledging his point. 'It's important to hear from everyone, not just those who sit in this room.' After a moment of reflection, the council agreed to hold a series of public consultations before making a final decision. As the meeting adjourned, Margaret couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Despite the differing opinions, the council had found a way to come together and ensure the voices of the people were heard. It was a rare moment of unity in a room often filled with passionate disagreements. The council had done its job—consulting, advising, and making a decision that would reflect the will of the people. In the end, Eastwood would remain a town of contrasts—old and new, traditional and modern. But the council had managed to find a middle ground, a place where all voices could be heard and where the future could be shaped with care and thoughtfulness.
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