convocate

Convocate is a verb meaning to call together or assemble a group for a meeting, council, or other formal gathering. It is a formal and relatively rare term in modern English, and in everyday usage speakers typically prefer convoke or convene. The associated noun convocation refers to the act of assembling or to a formal ceremony, such as a university graduation.

Etymology and form: Convocate derives from Latin convocare, from com- “together” and vocare “to call.” The word appears in historical and legal texts and is still used in some official or ceremonial language, though it is less common in contemporary prose.

Usage and context: Convocate is most often found in formal, administrative, or ceremonial contexts. In general writing, convoke or convene is more common and may convey the sense of calling a meeting more directly. When used, convocate typically takes a direct object (e.g., the council was convoked). Some dictionaries describe convocate as archaic or literary, while others recognize it as a valid, though uncommon, synonym of convoke.

Related terms: Convocation is the noun form for both the act of summoning and the formal assembly or ceremony. Convoke is the more widely used verb meaning to call together for a meeting, while convene emphasizes bringing people together for discussion or decision-making.

Examples: The mayor convoked a town hall meeting. The university convoked a special session of the faculty council for policy review. The council was convoked to address the emergency resolution.