Committee Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/kəmˈɪtē/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A group of people who are appointed or elected to perform a specific duty, make decisions, or accomplish a particular task, often collectively referred to as a governing body.

Examples

The executive committee oversaw the implementation of the new policy.
The departmental committee was responsible for streamlining the workflow.

Synonyms

Group
Bureau
Council

Antonyms

Individual
Single

Additional Information

Committees can be formed within various organizations, institutions, or industries to address specific issues or tackle particular projects. They often consist of representatives from diverse backgrounds and expertise, fostering collaboration and decision-making.

Committees may be responsible for conducting research, providing recommendations, or even enforcing regulations. They play a crucial role in shaping decisions, policies, and outcomes that impact the organization or community.

Etymology

The word “committee” originates from the Latin “committere,” meaning “to commit” or “to entrust.”

Usage Notes

In formal or professional settings, it’s essential to use proper committee titles, such as “Executive Committee” or “Advisory Committee.” Avoid using overly formal or bureaucratic language when referring to committees.

Cultural References

In popular culture, committees have been depicted in films, TV shows, and books as groups of characters working together to achieve a common goal.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Like a committee” is an idiomatic expression that means something or someone is slow-moving or indecisive.

Related Words or Phrases

Words and phrases closely related to committee include “team,” “group,” “board,” and “council.”

Collocations

Common collocations with committee include “executive committee,” “advisory committee,” and “steering committee.”

Frequency of Use

Committees are widely used in various contexts, including business, politics, education, and healthcare, making it a relatively common term in modern language.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of committee include “comittee,” “commitie,” and “commitee.”