What does "quorum" mean?
A select body of (usually eminent) justices of the peace, every member of which had to be present to constitute a deciding body; a member of this body. Later more generally: all justices collectively.
Quorum
/ˈkwɔː.ɹəm/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A select body of (usually eminent) justices of the peace, every member of which had to be present to constitute a deciding body; a member of this body. Later more generally: all justices collectively.
- Grammar: quorum is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: assemblee, assembly, assignation, at home.
- Useful contrasts: minority.
- Usage evidence: At a directors' meeting, unless a quorum is participating, no proposal is to be voted on, except a proposal to call another meeting.
How to use "quorum"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "quorum" 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 "quorum" 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 "quorum" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "quorum" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "quorum" 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 "assemblee" 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
Before publishing a sentence with "quorum", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
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 select body of (usually eminent) justices of the peace, every member of which had to be present to constitute a deciding body; a member of this body. Later more generally: all justices collectively. historical
- 2 a gathering of the minimal number of members of an organization to conduct business wordnet
- 3 The minimum number of members required for a group to officially conduct business and to cast votes, often but not necessarily a majority or supermajority.
"We can discuss the issue tonight but cannot vote until we have a quorum."
- 4 Distinguished or essential members of any body; a select company. archaic
- 5 The minimum number of votes that a distributed transaction has to obtain in order to be allowed to perform an operation in a distributed system.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"At a directors' meeting, unless a quorum is participating, no proposal is to be voted on, except a proposal to call another meeting."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "quorum"?
Common synonyms include: assemblee, assembly, assignation, at home, attendance threshold, ball.
How do you use "quorum" in a sentence?
At a directors' meeting, unless a quorum is participating, no proposal is to be voted on, except a proposal to call another meeting.
How do you pronounce "quorum"?
Pronounced /ˈkwɔː.ɹəm/.
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English quorum (c. 1426), from Anglo-Norman quorum, clipped from the Anglo-Latin wording of commissions in which certain persons were specially designated as members of a body by the words quorum vos unum esse volumus ad etc. (“of whom we want you to be one assigned to etc.”). Latin quōrum is the masculine genitive plural of the relative pronoun quī (“who”).