What is committee? Pronunciation and usage in English

committee means . Learn how to pronounce and use committee through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of committee

committeenoun

/kəˈmɪt.i//kəˈmɪt̬.i/
Definition & pronunciation of committee

Okay, pronouncing "committee" can be tricky! Here's a breakdown of how to do it correctly, along with tips:

The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common)

  • kuh-MIT-tee

Let's break it down:

  1. "com-": Pronounced like "come" – a short, open "uh" sound. (Think "come, home, mom").
  2. "mit-": Pronounced like "mit" – a soft "m" sound followed by a short "ih" sound (like in "bit").
  3. "tee": Pronounced exactly like the letter "tee" - a short, clear "ih" sound.

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: MIT.
  • Don't over-elongate: Each syllable should be distinct but not drawn out. It’s a quick, efficient pronunciation.
  • The "m" in "mit": Make sure it's a soft "m." Don't let it be a hard "m" as in "mom."
  • The "uh" in "com-": Keep the "uh" sound short and light.

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Usage and examples with the word committee in English

Let's break down how to use the word "committee" in English. It's a fairly formal word, often used in business, government, and organizations.

1. What is a Committee?

A committee is a group of people appointed to consider and report on a specific subject or task. They're formed to make decisions or provide recommendations to a larger body (like a board of directors, a parliament, or a company).

2. Common Phrases & Usage:

  • "A committee has been formed...": This is a very common way to introduce the idea of a committee. Example: "A committee has been formed to investigate the budget proposal."
  • "The committee will meet next week...": This describes when the committee is scheduled to convene.
  • "The committee voted unanimously...": This describes a decision made by the members.
  • "The committee’s recommendations were accepted...": This indicates the outcome of the committee’s work.
  • "I’m on the marketing committee.": This means you’re a member of that specific committee.
  • "The committee is responsible for...": This states the committee's duties. Example: "The committee is responsible for drafting the new policy."
  • "The committee chairperson...": The leader of the committee.
  • “A cross-committee…”: A committee composed of members from multiple other committees.

3. Examples in Sentences:

  • Business: "The executive committee will decide on the company’s strategy for the next quarter."
  • Government: "A parliamentary committee is reviewing the environmental regulations."
  • School: "The school's student committee is planning the fundraising event."
  • Non-profit: "The board of directors appointed a fundraising committee to increase donations."

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Group: (more general, less formal) – “A working group”
  • Panel: (often used for groups focused on expertise) – “A medical panel”
  • Board: (often used for groups making decisions) – “A board of advisors”
  • Working party: (common in British English)

5. Important Notes:

  • Formality: "Committee" is a more formal word than “group.” Be mindful of the context.
  • Specificity: Committees are always associated with a specific purpose or task. They aren't just randomly assembled groups of people.
  • Hierarchy: Committees often have a chairperson or leader, and sometimes other officers (secretary, treasurer, etc.).

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Synonyms for the word committee

Practice with vocabulary committee

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The school ___________ decided to organize a charity event next month.
  2. After hours of discussion, the project ___________ finalized their recommendations.
  3. The manager praised the entire ___________ for their hard work and dedication.
  4. A small ___________ of experts was formed to review the scientific proposal.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which term refers to a group of people appointed for a specific function?
    a) Committee
    b) Team
    c) Panel
    d) Department

  2. The ___________ was responsible for overseeing the budget allocation.
    a) Board
    b) Committee
    c) Association
    d) Council

  3. Which word is NOT related to decision-making groups?
    a) Committee
    b) Individual
    c) Assembly
    d) Coalition

  4. The ___________ met last week to discuss the new regulations.
    a) Committee
    b) Division
    c) Plenary
    d) Unit

  5. Which term is most appropriate for a group managing a specific event?
    a) Team
    b) Committee
    c) Network
    d) Collective

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The group of advisors made the final decision on the policy.
  2. A panel of experts will evaluate the research proposals.
  3. The council will oversee the implementation of the new program.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. committee
  2. team
  3. committee
  4. group

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Committee, c) Panel
  2. b) Committee
  3. b) Individual
  4. a) Committee
  5. b) Committee

Exercise 3:

  1. The committee of advisors made the final decision on the policy.
  2. A committee of experts will evaluate the research proposals.
  3. The board will oversee the implementation of the new program.

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