Which option best defines the verb 'convene'?

• A. To gather
• B. To bring people together for a formal or official purpose such as a meeting
• C. To scatter
• D. To announce

Answer: (B)

Convene means to bring people together for a formal or official purpose, especially to hold a meeting or assemble a group. It carries a sense of organization and authority, as someone in charge calls the gathering and sets the occasion. For example, a city council will convene to discuss the budget, or a court may convene at a specified time. This term emphasizes the formality and intentional purpose of the meeting, rather than just any gathering. In contrast, gather is more general and informal, scatter is the opposite action, and announce refers to making information known rather than assembling people. So the best definition centers on bringing people together for an official purpose such as a meeting.