Origin and Meaning of Congress

A formal meeting or assembly of representatives for discussion and decision-making.

Origin: Latin - Derived from the Latin word 'congressus', which means 'a coming together'. It is a combination of 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'gradior' meaning 'to step or to walk'.

• The term 'Congress' is most commonly associated with the legislative bodies in the United States, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• In various countries, 'Congress' refers to a legislative assembly or formal meeting for political discussions, seen in countries like Argentina and the Philippines.
• Notable historical references include the Continental Congress, which managed the colonial war effort during the American Revolution.
• The usage of the name 'Congress' peaked with the establishment of national congresses in various newly independent nations in the 20th century.
• Related terms include 'congressional', which pertains to the Congress of the United States, and similar terms across languages such as 'congres' in French and Spanish.