Fraternity Meaning and Definition
Fraternity
Pronunciation
/ˈfrætərni/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A social organization of men or women who share common goals and values, often focusing on academic, professional, or social pursuits.
Examples
- The fraternity contributed to the local charity event.
- The sorority sponsored a scholarship for female students.
Synonyms
- Sorority
- Campus organization
- Student club
Etymology
The word “fraternity” comes from the Latin “fraternitas,” meaning “brotherhood” or “fellowship.”
Usage Notes
In formal contexts, the term “fraternity” typically refers to an organization of men, while “sorority” refers to an organization of women. In informal contexts, the terms may be used more broadly to refer to any social organization that brings people together.
Cultural References
The film “Old School” features a fraternity as a central plot point.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Little sisters” refers to a term used to describe the relationship between an older sorority chapter and a newer one.
Related Words or Phrases
- Brother
- Sister
- Chapter
- House
Collocations
- Fraternity house
- Sorority chapter
- Fraternity event
- Sorority philanthropy
Frequency of Use
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term “fraternity” is relatively uncommon in modern language, used primarily in academic and social contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Fraternal
- Fratrynity
- Fraterity