Community: meaning, definitions and examples

🏘️

Add to dictionary

community

[kəˈmjuːnɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

living together in one place

A community is a group of people who live in the same area, share common interests, or have a common background. Communities can vary in size from small villages to large cities. They often have their own unique culture, traditions, and sense of identity.

Synonyms

neighborhood, population, society.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
community	Use this word when referring to a group of people who share common interests, values, or a particular locality. It often emphasizes a sense of belonging and mutual support. The local community came together to clean up the park. She is an active member of the artistic community in her city.
society	Use 'society' when talking about a larger group of people who live in a structured community with shared laws, norms, and institutions. It often refers to a more complex and organized group. Technology plays a significant role in modern society. The book discusses the impact of social media on society.
neighborhood	This word is best used to describe a specific area within a town or city, usually with a focus on the people living there and the environment. It is often more localized than 'community'. They are organizing a block party for the entire neighborhood. The new bakery has become a favorite spot in the neighborhood.
population	This word is used to refer to the number of people living in a certain area, often in a more general or statistical sense. It can apply to cities, countries, or even the entire world. The population of the city has increased by 10% over the last decade. Scientists are studying the impact of pollution on the local fish population.

Examples of usage

The local community came together to clean up the park.
She felt a sense of belonging in her community.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

group of people with a common characteristic

Community can also refer to a group of people who share a common characteristic, such as a religious community, a scientific community, or an online community. These communities often provide support, resources, and a sense of belonging to their members.

Synonyms

association, fellowship, group.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
community	Use when referring to a group of people living in the same place or having a shared characteristic or interest. The local community came together to clean up the park. Online communities can provide support for people with similar interests.
group	A general term for any number of people gathered together. It is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from informal to formal settings. A group of friends went hiking last weekend. The project team will work in small groups to brainstorm ideas.
association	Best used when referring to an organized group of people with a common purpose or interest, often formal and structured. She is a member of the National Writers' Association. The association held its annual conference in New York.
fellowship	Often used in religious or academic contexts to describe a friendly association, especially with people who share similar interests. It can also refer to a group of people who meet regularly because of their shared interests or beliefs. The church promotes fellowship among its members. He received a fellowship to conduct research at the university.

Examples of usage

The scientific community collaborated on a groundbreaking research project.
She found a supportive community of writers online.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'communis,' meaning 'common' or 'shared by all.'
It originally referred to a group that shared land and resources.

Social Science

Communities foster relationships that can impact mental health positively.
Belonging to a community is important for social identity and cultural practices.

Culture

Every major festival or holiday often originates from community celebrations.
Many cultural traditions are passed down through generations within communities.

Technology

Online communities have grown with platforms like forums and social media, connecting people worldwide.
Virtual communities can impact real-life relationships as members bond over shared interests.

Psychology

Humans have an innate need to belong, making community support vital for emotional well-being.
Support systems found in communities enhance resilience during stressful times.

Translations

Translations of the word "community" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comunidade

🇮🇳 समुदाय

🇩🇪 Gemeinschaft

🇮🇩 komunitas

🇺🇦 спільнота

🇵🇱 społeczność

🇯🇵 コミュニティ

🇫🇷 communauté

🇪🇸 comunidad

🇹🇷 topluluk

🇰🇷 커뮤니티

🇸🇦 مجتمع

🇨🇿 komunita

🇸🇰 komunita

🇨🇳 社区

🇸🇮 skupnost

🇮🇸 samfélag

🇰🇿 қоғамдастық

🇬🇪 საზოგადოება

🇦🇿 icma

🇲🇽 comunidad

Word Frequency Rank

With position #449, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

...
446 population
447 saw
448 structure
449 community
450 range
451 call
452 attention
...