What does reconvening mean?
Reconvening means meeting or assembling again after a meeting, discussion, or session has been paused or interrupted. The word is especially common in formal settings such as committees, courts, conferences, diplomatic talks, and parliamentary proceedings, although it can also describe ordinary work groups resuming after a break. It carries a sense of continuity: the same participants or body return to continue an earlier activity rather than begin an entirely new one. The prefix re- indicates repetition, while convene refers to assembling for a meeting. Reconvening is therefore more specific than simply resuming, because it implies that people deliberately gather again in a shared session. In everyday conversation, “let's reconvene” may sound formal and can humorously suggest that a meeting has become prolonged or difficult to conclude.
verbTo meet or assemble again, especially after a meeting or session has been interrupted or postponed. It can also mean to bring a group together again for continued discussion or business.
- To meet or assemble again after an interruption or break.
- To resume a meeting, discussion, or formal session.
"The committee reconvened after the lunch break to discuss the remaining proposals."
"The delegates reconvened in the afternoon after completing the morning's negotiations."
"The judges reconvened to deliver their verdict."
To reconvene is to give a paused conversation another beginning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reconvening come from?
Reconvening is formed from the prefix re-, meaning “again,” and convene, meaning “to call together” or “assemble.” Convene's deeper roots are in Latin convenire, from con- meaning “together” and venire meaning “to come.” The Latin root also underlies related English words such as convention, convenient, and convenience. The combining form reconvene has been used in English since the early 19th century for bringing a meeting or assembly together again.
Related word forms
How reconvening is actually used
The term is most often used for formal meetings, committees, courts, and parliamentary or diplomatic sessions. It is also common in business and legal contexts when work resumes after a pause.
Easily confused with reconvening
Convene means to assemble or meet for the first time, while reconvene means to meet again after an interruption, break, or postponement.