Meaning
To organize and conduct a large formal meeting or discussion.
Cultural Background
Conferences are often preceded by long periods of informal 'side-talks' where the real decisions are made. The 'Mu'tamar' itself is often a formal ratification of these pre-agreed points. In the Gulf, the concept of 'Majlis' is central. While a 'Mu'tamar' is modern, it still carries the DNA of the Majlis where everyone has a right to be heard by the leader. Egypt has a long history of being the 'media hub' of the Arab world. The phrase 'عقد مؤتمراً صحفياً' is heard daily on Egyptian news channels like Al-Qahera News. In Lebanon, conferences are often high-energy and multi-lingual. You might hear 'Yaqidu Mu'tamaran' followed by an immediate translation into French or English.
Tanween is Key
In formal writing, always add the 'alif' and 'tanween' to 'Mu'tamaran' (مؤتمراً). It marks you as an advanced learner.
Don't use for 'Hold on!'
If you want to tell someone to 'hold on' or wait, use 'انتظر' (Intazir), never 'Aqada'.
Meaning
To organize and conduct a large formal meeting or discussion.
Tanween is Key
In formal writing, always add the 'alif' and 'tanween' to 'Mu'tamaran' (مؤتمراً). It marks you as an advanced learner.
Don't use for 'Hold on!'
If you want to tell someone to 'hold on' or wait, use 'انتظر' (Intazir), never 'Aqada'.
Press Conferences
In the Arab world, press conferences often start with a long prepared statement before taking questions. Use 'أدلى ببيان' (delivered a statement) alongside 'عقد مؤتمراً'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'عقد' in the past tense.
الأمم المتحدة ________ مؤتمراً كبيراً في نيويورك العام الماضي.
The subject 'الأمم المتحدة' is treated as a singular feminine noun in Arabic grammar.
Which phrase is the most appropriate for a news headline?
Headline: The President ________ a press conference today.
'يعقد' is the standard formal verb for holding conferences.
Match the verb with the appropriate noun to form a formal collocation.
Match the following:
These are standard collocations: Hold a conference, Deliver a speech, Sign an agreement.
Complete the dialogue with the correct word.
أحمد: هل سمعت الخبر؟ الشركة ستعقد ________ غداً. سارة: نعم، سمعت أنه سيكون عن الأرباح السنوية.
The verb 'ستعقد' strongly implies a formal event like a conference.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Aqada'
Formal
- • Summits
- • Press Events
- • Court Sessions
Practice Bank
4 exercisesالأمم المتحدة ________ مؤتمراً كبيراً في نيويورك العام الماضي.
The subject 'الأمم المتحدة' is treated as a singular feminine noun in Arabic grammar.
Headline: The President ________ a press conference today.
'يعقد' is the standard formal verb for holding conferences.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are standard collocations: Hold a conference, Deliver a speech, Sign an agreement.
أحمد: هل سمعت الخبر؟ الشركة ستعقد ________ غداً. سارة: نعم، سمعت أنه سيكون عن الأرباح السنوية.
The verb 'ستعقد' strongly implies a formal event like a conference.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! 'عقد القران' (Aqada al-Qiran) is the formal term for the marriage contract ceremony.
It is understood but rarely used in daily speech. People prefer 'Amal' (Egypt) or 'Sawwa' (Gulf).
A 'Mu'tamar' is a large public conference. An 'Ijtima' is a smaller, often private meeting.
Use the passive: 'يُعقد المؤتمر' (Yu'qadu al-mu'tamar).
No, for a match we use 'تُقام المباراة' (The match is being held/established).
It is 'Yaqidu' (with a kasra on the qaf) in the present tense.
Yes, an individual (like a president) can be the subject who convenes it.
It is 'مؤتمر صحفي' (Mu'tamar Sahafi).
In modern contexts, it almost always means 'to hold' or 'to conclude' (a deal).
Yes, you can say 'عقد مؤتمراً عبر الإنترنت'.
Related Phrases
عقد اجتماعاً
similarTo hold a meeting.
أقام حفلاً
contrastTo throw a party/celebration.
فض الاجتماع
contrastTo adjourn/break up the meeting.
عقد قرانه
specialized formTo perform a marriage ceremony.
