What does "divan" mean?
A Muslim council of state, specifically that of viziers of the Ottoman Empire that discussed and recommended new laws and law changes to a higher authority (the sultan).
Divan
/dɪˈvæn/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A Muslim council of state, specifically that of viziers of the Ottoman Empire that discussed and recommended new laws and law changes to a higher authority (the sultan).
- Grammar: divan is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: advisory body, advisory council, assembly, association.
- Useful contrasts: anarchy, chair, disorder.
- Usage evidence: Startled at such an unaccountable event, they sat in close divan; and concluding that the case was in all respects unnatural and prodigious, desired that a messenger might be immediately dispatched for some male practitioner in the art of midwifery.
How to use "divan"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "divan" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "divan" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "divan" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "divan" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "advisory body" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A Muslim council of state, specifically that of viziers of the Ottoman Empire that discussed and recommended new laws and law changes to a higher authority (the sultan). historical
- 2 a long backless sofa (usually with pillows against a wall) wordnet
- 3 The council chamber where this court is held; (by extension), any court of justice.
- 4 a Muslim council chamber or law court wordnet
- 5 Any council or assembly. archaic
"Startled at such an unaccountable event, they sat in close divan; and concluding that the case was in all respects unnatural and prodigious, desired that a messenger might be immediately dispatched for some male practitioner in the art of midwifery."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 a collection of Persian or Arabic poems (usually by one author) wordnet
- 7 A couch or sofa-like piece of furniture made of a mattress lying against the wall and on either the floor or an elevated structure.
"Eurydice pointed to the cupboard, and sat down on the low divan with folded hands, and looked at the floor."
- 8 a Muslim council of state wordnet
- 9 An establishment that serves cigars and coffee, and may offer other amenities such as books, newspapers, and chess. dated
"Near-synonym: smoking room"
- 10 An establishment that serves cigars and coffee, and may offer other amenities such as books, newspapers, and chess.; A drug or cigarette den. Hong-Kong, dated
"No person shall open, keep, manage or assist in the management of a divan where a dangerous drug is sold in the divan to be smoked, inhaled, ingested or injected therein; […]"
- 11 A collection of poems, especially one written by an author in Arabic or Persian.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Startled at such an unaccountable event, they sat in close divan; and concluding that the case was in all respects unnatural and prodigious, desired that a messenger might be immediately dispatched for some male practitioner in the art of midwifery."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "divan"?
Common synonyms include: advisory body, advisory council, assembly, association, bench, board.
How do you use "divan" in a sentence?
Startled at such an unaccountable event, they sat in close divan; and concluding that the case was in all respects unnatural and prodigious, desired that a messenger might be immediately dispatched for some male practitioner in the art of midwifery.
How do you pronounce "divan"?
Pronounced /dɪˈvæn/.
Etymology
Borrowed from French, from Ottoman Turkish دیوان (divan), from Classical Persian دیوان (dēwān), from Middle Persian d(p)ywʾn' (dēwān, “archive, collected writings”), from Sumerian 𒁾 (dub). Compare mattress, from Arabic (both of Middle Eastern origin, due to the local custom of lying on padding on floor being foreign to Europeans). Doublet of dewan, douane, and diwaniya.