Council

The word “Council” means a group of people formally chosen to manage, advise on, or make decisions about local or organizational affairs. In plain terms, a group of elected or appointed people who make decisions together, especially in local government.

Here is “Council” used in a sentence: “The city council voted to build a new park downtown.”

“Council” is a noun.

The word “Council” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman cuncile, ultimately from Latin concilium ("assembly, meeting").

“Council” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

A council is a group of people chosen to make decisions or give advice, such as a city council. Counsel means advice itself, the act of advising, or a lawyer representing someone in court. They sound identical, but a council is a body of people, while counsel is guidance or a legal adviser.

Familiar examples include a city or town council that runs local services, a student council that represents pupils, and a council of elders or advisers that guides a community. In each case a group of chosen members meets to manage affairs or make decisions together rather than alone.

A member of a council is usually called a councilor, spelled councillor in British English. The person who leads or chairs the meetings may be a chair, president or, in local government, a mayor. Together the councilors form the council and vote on the matters put before them.

A council manages, advises on or decides matters affecting a community or organization. A local council might oversee schools, roads, housing and waste, while an organizational council might set policy or guide leadership. Members typically meet, debate the issues and vote, so decisions are made collectively rather than by one person.