quorum
The minimum number of members required to be present for valid proceedings
Examples
In a meeting
“We can't vote on the budget without a quorum of board members present.”
Over coffee
“We need at least five people—that's our quorum—before we can officially decide anything.”
Why this word
majority
Quorum is the minimum number required for valid proceedings; majority is more than half of a group
minimum
Minimum is vague; quorum specifically denotes the number of members required to conduct official business
attendance
Attendance is who shows up; quorum is the specific threshold required for legitimate decision-making
Usage tip
Common in governance and meetings; refers to the threshold for legitimate decision-making.
Etymology
Latin 'quorum' meaning 'of whom,' from legal phrase indicating required number of justices
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Related words
align
To bring into agreement or proper coordination with something else.
table
To postpone discussion or consideration of something
reconvene
Come together again after a break
adjourn
To pause or end a meeting with intention to resume later
enjoin
To legally prohibit or order someone to do or not do something
proscribe
To officially forbid or condemn something