# congress

Pronunciation: US say "KONG-gruhs" /ˈkɑŋɡɹəs/; UK say "KONG-gres" /ˈkɒŋˌɡɹɛs/

## Noun

1. The lawmaking body of a state, especially the two-chamber legislature of the United States.
   - Simple: A country's lawmaking body, especially the one in the United States.
   - _The congress passed sweeping reforms before its summer recess._
   - _Brazil's congress is divided into two chambers, much like its American counterpart._
2. A formal assembly or conference convened to discuss or decide a particular question.
   - Simple: A formal meeting where people discuss or decide a particular question.
   - _Delegates at the international congress debated new climate targets for three days._
   - _The party held its annual congress to choose a new leader._
3. A formal association, especially an umbrella body made up of other associations or of delegates from interest groups.
   - Simple: A large group made up of smaller groups that work together.
   - _The labor congress unites unions from every major industry._
   - _A congress of regional bodies coordinates policy across the country._

## Verb

Pronunciation: say "kuhn-GRES" /kənˈɡɹɛs/

4. To meet or gather together, especially in a formal assembly.
   - Simple: To meet or gather together, especially for a formal meeting.

## Noun

5. Sexual intercourse between people. *(dated)*
   - Simple: Sexual intercourse between two people.
   - _The marriage was annulled because the couple denied any congress had taken place._
   - _Ancient myths treat congress between the gods as a creative force._
6. A group of baboons regarded collectively. *(rare)*
   - Simple: A group of baboons living or moving together.
   - _A congress of baboons descended on the campsite looking for food._
   - _Two congresses of baboons competed for the same waterhole._
7. A gathering or meeting of two or more people. *(archaic)*
   - Simple: A meeting between two or more people.

## Origin

From Latin congressum, the past participle of congredior ('I go or come together'), which is formed from con- ('together') plus gradior ('I go, step'). The verb comes from the noun.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/congress (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).