In the word "convene," the prefix con- primarily signifies "with" or "together." This meaning is consistent across many English words derived from Latin, where con- often originates from the Latin preposition cum, meaning "with."
When people convene at a particular place, they are coming there with others, or assembling together. The root of "convene" comes from the Latin word venire, which means "to come." Therefore, "convene" literally means "to come together."
Understanding the Prefix "Con-"
The prefix con- is a powerful indicator of joint action, combination, or accompaniment. It emphasizes the idea of multiple entities interacting or merging.
- Meaning: "With," "together," "jointly."
- Origin: Derived from the Latin prefix cum- (which changes to con- before many consonants, com- before b, p, m, co- before vowels and h, col- before l, and cor- before r).
Examples of "Con-" in Action
The "with" or "together" meaning of con- is evident in numerous English words, illustrating its consistent contribution to a word's overall sense.
- When you connect two objects, you are linking them with each other, bringing them together.
- When people congregate, they flock with each other, forming a group or assembly.
- To concur means to run with someone's opinion, implying agreement or being together in thought.
- A consensus is a feeling or opinion held together by a group, indicating general agreement.
How "Con-" Shapes Meaning in Various Words
Understanding common prefixes like con- can significantly enhance vocabulary and comprehension, as they often provide a clear clue to a word's core meaning. The table below illustrates how "con-" consistently conveys the idea of togetherness or combination.
| Word | Latin Root (Meaning) | "Con-" Contribution | Overall Meaning (Simplified) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convene | venire (to come) | with/together | To come together; to assemble |
| Connect | nectere (to bind) | with/together | To join together; to link |
| Congregate | grex, gregis (flock) | with/together | To flock together; to gather |
| Concur | currere (to run) | with/together | To run together; to agree |
| Combine | binarius (two by two) | with/together | To bring two or more things together |
This consistent pattern highlights that in "convene," the prefix serves to emphasize the collective action of coming together.
