reconvene

Reconvene is a verb meaning to come together again after a break or interruption, especially to continue a meeting, session, or proceedings. It describes the act of resuming formal activities that had been temporarily suspended.

In legislative, judicial, and organizational contexts, a body reconvenes after a recess, adjournment, or break in proceedings in order to continue deliberations, vote on matters, or hear further testimony. The term emphasizes a continuation of a previously started process rather than the initiation of a new one. Reconvening may be mandated by procedural rules, scheduling constraints, or the need to complete an agenda.

Etymology and forms: reconvene is formed from the prefix re- meaning again, plus convene, which comes from Latin convenire, “to come together.” The word appears in various forms, including reconvenes (third-person singular present), reconvened (past), and reconvening (present participle). The noun form reconvening is sometimes used to denote the act or session of resuming.

Usage notes: reconvene implies a planned or expected resumption, whereas terms like resume or reassemble can have broader or less formal connotations. It is most appropriate when referring to official or formal gatherings that pause for a defined interval and then resume.

See also: convene, adjourn, recess, session, assembly, meeting.

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