Words / C1

GAVL/ˈɡævl/

A gavel is a small hammer used by a chair or auctioneer to call order: bang the gavel, a ceremonial gavel. Hammer (already in the dictionary) is the everyday tool; a foyer prop is not a resolution.

Meaning

A small hammer used by a chair or auctioneer to call order (from hammer, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “A gavel in the foyer is ceremony, not a resolution; minute the vote.”
• “Hammer is already in this course. Mallet is the close twin. Ceremony is a vibe. A named vote on paper is a file. Write the result; then brief the lobby if the minute still stands.”

Good to know

A chair’s small hammer. Everyday: hammer (already in the dictionary). Ceremony ≠ a minute.

Near in meaning

mallet, hammer, chair’s hammer

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