committee
committee
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "committee" is /kəˈmɪti/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
kə:
/k/: Voiceless velar stop
/ə/: Schwa (mid-central vowel)
ˈmɪ:
/m/: Bilabial nasal
/ɪ/: Near-close near-front unrounded vowel (as in "kit")
ti:
/t/: Voiceless alveolar stop
/i/: Close front unrounded vowel (as in "fleece")
Word Form Variations
Committee" is primarily a noun. It does not typically have variations in other parts of speech (verb, adjective, adverb) for the word itself.
Noun Forms:
Singular: committee (e.g., "The committee met yesterday.")
Plural: committees (e.g., "Several committees were formed to address the issue.")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun Definitions
A group of people appointed for a specific function, typically consisting of members of a larger group.
Synonyms: Panel, board, council, commission, task force, working group
Antonyms: Individual, whole body (e.g., general assembly)
(In legal or governmental contexts) A standing or special body of persons delegated to consider, investigate, or take action on a particular matter.
Synonyms: Bureau, delegation, directorate, department
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific type of body)
Examples of Use
Books
"The committee decided that the new rules would take effect immediately." (Common in novels describing organizational decision-making)
"She was a member of the local town committee, dedicated to improving community services." (Often found in local history or community-focused narratives)
Newspapers and Online Publications
"The Senate committee held hearings on the proposed legislation." (The Washington Post)
"A special committee has been formed to investigate the recent data breach." (TechCrunch)
"The Nobel Prize committee announced this year's laureates in physics." (The New York Times)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Film: In 12 Angry Men (1957), the entire plot revolves around a jury, which functions as a committee deciding a man's fate.
Television: "The admissions committee will review all applications and make their final selections." (Common in shows set in academic institutions)
Music: A song might reference a "welcoming committee" or a "planning committee" in its lyrics, though less common as a direct subject.
Video Games: Many management or simulation games feature "council" or "board" decisions, which mirror the function of a committee.
General Public Discourse
"I have a meeting with the fundraising committee this afternoon." (Everyday conversation about professional or volunteer engagements)
"The school's parent-teacher committee organizes all the events." (Discussing community involvement)
"We need to form a committee to look into this issue properly." (Suggesting a structured approach to problem-solving)
"He was appointed to the disciplinary committee." (Referring to a formal role)
10 Quotes Using Committee
"A committee is a group of men who keep minutes and waste hours." (Milton Berle, often attributed to others)
"If you want something done, give it to a busy man. If you want something to drag on forever, give it to a committee." (Common adage)
"A camel is a horse designed by a committee." (Often attributed to Sir Alec Issigonis, referring to design by compromise)
"The way a committee thinks is that if five of us think a certain thing, then it's correct." (Marilyn Monroe)
"A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan next week." (Often attributed to George S. Patton, contrasting with committee decision-making)
"We have no permanent friends or permanent enemies, only permanent interests." (Often attributed to Henry Kissinger, concerning foreign policy committee decisions)
"Never was so much owed by so many to so few." (Winston Churchill, referring to the RAF, a small group akin to a specialized committee for defense)
"No, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical." (Niels Bohr, sometimes applied to the limitations of committee logic)
"The difficulty with a committee is that you get an excellent decision if you are in a situation where the problem is easily defined." (Edward R. Murrow)
"Every time I appoint a committee, I get a new problem." (Edwin H. Land)
Etymology
The word "eagle" has a long and interesting history!
Roots: It comes from the Latin word "aquila," which likely referred to the dark color of some eagle feathers.
Journey to English: Over time, "aquila" traveled through languages like Old French ("aigle") before arriving in English.
Early Use: The earliest known use of "eagle" in English was around the 14th century, and it simply meant the large bird of prey we know today.
So, essentially, the word "eagle" has its roots in the Latin word for a bird with dark feathers, and it's been used in English to describe this majestic creature for centuries!
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Eagle
Eagles are more often used as metaphors for strength, vision, or freedom. However, here are some phrases and idioms that use "eagle" or similar concepts:
"Eagle eyes": This describes someone with very sharp eyesight, like an eagle.
"Soar like an eagle": This idiom encourages someone to reach great heights, achieve ambitious goals, or experience freedom and independence.
"Have an eagle's eye for detail": Similar to "eagle eyes," this emphasizes someone's keen observation and ability to spot small things.
"Rise like an eagle": This idiom suggests overcoming challenges and achieving success, much like an eagle ascending into the sky.
Here's why there might not be many idioms directly using "eagle":
Eagles are symbols: Eagles are powerful symbols, so their meaning is often conveyed through metaphors and comparisons rather than direct idioms.
Less common in everyday speech: Compared to animals like dogs or cats, eagles are less common in everyday life, leading to fewer idioms directly related to them.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of committee from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
