Community Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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community

[kษ™หˆmjuหnษชti ]

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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'community'

Main points about word origin

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

The word 'community' has its origins in the Latin word 'communitas', which means 'fellowship' or 'commonness'. The concept of community has been central to human societies throughout history, as people have always lived and worked together in groups. Communities have played a vital role in shaping culture, traditions, and social structures.


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.