Plenary Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈpleɪnəri/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun or adjective

Definition

A plenary is a group of people, especially a group of members, delegates, or representatives, who are gathered together for a meeting, session, or convention, often with the power to make decisions or take actions.

Examples

• The plenary meeting of the board of directors was held to discuss the company’s future plans.
• The delegates in the plenary session voted on the proposed legislation.

Synonyms

• Assembly
• Council
• Convention

Antonyms

• Separate
• Disperse

Additional Information

A plenary is often used in formal or official settings, such as government, business, or education, where decisions require the collective input and approval of the group. In theology, a plenary is also a type of indulgence that a bishop or pope grants to a group of people, allowing them to receive remission for their sins.

In some cases, a plenary can also refer to a meeting or session that is fully attended, with all members present. This sense of the word is often used in academic or scholarly contexts to describe a meeting or lecture that is well-attended and productive.

Etymology

The word “plenary” comes from the Latin “plenus”, meaning “full” or “complete”, and the suffix “-ary”, which forms nouns indicating a place, state, or condition. In the context of meetings and gatherings, the word has been used since the 15th century to describe a group that is fully assembled and present.

Usage Notes

In formal writing and speaking, it is common to use “plenary” in the context of official meetings, conferences, or councils, particularly in professions such as law, medicine, or politics. In informal contexts, such as conversation or email, the word is less commonly used and may sound more formal or pretentious than necessary.

Cultural References

The concept of a plenary has been referenced in various contexts, such as literature, film, and music. For example, in the novel “The Mouse That Roared” by Leonard Wibberley, a small country holds a plenary session to ratify its decision to declare war on the United States.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “In plenary session” – used to describe a meeting where all members are present and participating
• “Plenary indulgence” – a certain type of indulgence granted by a bishop or pope

Related Words or Phrases

• Assembly
• Convention
• Meeting
• Gathering

Collocations

• Plenary session of the board
• Plenary meeting of the council
• In plenary session

Frequency of Use

The word “plenary” is relatively rare in everyday conversation, but common in formal or official contexts, such as politics, law, medicine, or education.

Common Misspellings

• Plenaty
• Planery