Definitions Related words Phrases Mentions Lyrics History Colors (New!)

Literary notes about Committee (AI summary)

In literature, the term “committee” is often used to denote an organized body charged with decision-making, oversight, or the management of complex affairs. In Samuel Pepys’s diary, for instance, it appears multiple times ([1], [2], [3], [4]) to illustrate bureaucratic processes and the sometimes absurd divisions of labor in society, while in works like Sinclair Lewis’s "Babbitt" and Conan Doyle’s "The Lost World" ([5], [6], [7]) committees are portrayed as both influential arbiters and subjects of satire. Historical writings and formal reports ([8], [9], [10]) employ the term to underscore the weight of institutional authority and the procedural nature of governance. Thus, the word “committee” in literature encapsulates a range of connotations—from the serious and methodical to the incongruously farcical—mirroring the multifaceted roles such groups play in society.
  1. We broke up, leaving the thing to a Committee of which I am one.
    — from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys
  2. to see with what patience Lord Ashly did stay all the morning to get a Committee, little thinking that I know the reason of his willingnesse.
    — from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys
  3. Thence to White Hall, and after long staying there was no Committee of the Fishery as was expected.
    — from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys
  4. Up, and with Sir W. Batten and Sir J. Minnes to the Committee of the Lords, and there did our business; but, Lord!
    — from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys
  5. “Then, second: Course the school has its advertising committee, but, Lord, nobody ever really works good—nobody works well just for the love of it.
    — from Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis
  6. You are a man whose veracity is upon trial, and this committee is here to try it.
    — from The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle
  7. VIII The Committee on Resolutions was reporting.
    — from Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis
  8. On behalf of the National Woman's Rights Central Committee, ELIZABETH CADY STANTON, President ; SUSAN B. ANTHONY, Secretary .
    — from The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 1 of 2) by Ida Husted Harper
  9. REPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE OHIO SENATE, ON GIVING THE RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE TO FEMALES.
    — from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I
  10. Senators Hammond, Ramsey, and Colvin constituted the Judiciary Committee, to whom the bill was referred.
    — from History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I

More usage examples

Also see: Google, News, Images, Wikipedia, Reddit, BlueSky


Home   Reverse Dictionary / Thesaurus   Datamuse   Word games   Spruce   Feedback   Dark mode   Random word   Help


Color thesaurus

Use OneLook to find colors for words and words for colors

See an example

Literary notes

Use OneLook to learn how words are used by great writers

See an example

Word games

Try our innovative vocabulary games

Play Now

Read the latest OneLook newsletter issue: Threepeat Redux