Compatriot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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compatriot

[kəmˈpeɪ.tri.ət ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

fellow citizen

A compatriot is someone who comes from the same country as you.

Synonyms

countryman, countrywoman, fellow countryman, national.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
compatriot	Use when referring to someone from the same country in a formal or neutral context. She met a compatriot during her trip to France
fellow countryman	Use in a friendly or informal context to highlight shared nationality with emphasis on companionship. He always felt at ease when talking to a fellow countryman
countrywoman	Use when referring to a woman from the same country in everyday conversations or when emphasizing a shared national identity. She admired her countrywoman for her achievements
countryman	Use when referring to a man from the same country in everyday conversations or when emphasizing a shared national identity. As a countryman, he knew the traditions well
national	Use in formal or official contexts, often seen in legal, political, or diplomatic communication. The government announced new policies to protect its nationals abroad

Examples of usage

She met a compatriot while traveling in Europe.
He felt a strong bond with his compatriots during the national holiday.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

patriotic connection

A compatriot is also someone who shares a strong bond or connection based on their common nationality.

Synonyms

fellow countryman, fellow patriot, national comrade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
compatriot	Used to refer to someone from the same country, usually in a formal or neutral way. She met her compatriot at the international conference. The young writer received support from his compatriots.
fellow countryman	Used to refer to someone from the same country, often in personal or more emotional contexts. He felt a sense of pride when he saw his fellow countryman win the race. It’s always nice to meet a fellow countryman when traveling abroad.
fellow patriot	Used to refer to someone from the same country who shares strong nationalistic feelings or loyalty. Often used in a political or military context. They stood together as fellow patriots, ready to defend their homeland. The speech rallied his fellow patriots to action.
national comrade	Mostly used in political or ideological contexts to refer to someone from the same country who shares a similar political belief. Can have a militant or ideological connotation. The leader addressed his national comrades during the rally. He considered his allies during the revolution to be national comrades.

Examples of usage

They were compatriots in the fight for independence.
Despite living in different countries, they remained compatriots at heart.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

During wars, compatriots often band together for a common cause, highlighting loyalty to one’s country.
The term was frequently used in documents related to the independence movements of Latin American countries in the 19th century.
In modern times, compatriots are often seen collaborating across borders for various humanitarian efforts.

Pop Culture

The term appears in worldwide events, such as the Olympics, where athletes from the same country cheer for each other.
Notable films often depict heroes and heroines as guardians of their compatriots, emphasizing bravery and unity.
Various music genres, particularly folk, celebrate the bonds of compatriots, highlighting cultural pride.

Psychology

Strong bonds among compatriots can foster a sense of belonging, which is crucial for mental health.
Shared backgrounds and experiences among compatriots can enhance empathy and cooperation.
Research shows that interactions within compatriot groups can make individuals feel safer and more supported.

Literature

Famous novels often focus on themes of camaraderie and the ties between compatriots during times of strife.
Poetry frequently reflects the emotions of expatriates longing for their compatriots back home.
In historical fiction, the interactions among compatriots reveal societal values and political tensions of their time.

Origin of 'compatriot'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'compatriota,' meaning 'of the same country.'
It is made up of 'com-' meaning 'together' and 'patria' meaning 'fatherland'.
Its use dates back to the early 19th century, showing evolving connections in nation-building.

The word 'compatriot' originated in the mid-16th century, combining 'com-' (together) and 'patriot' (fellow countryman). It reflects the idea of shared nationality and common bonds among people from the same country.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,056, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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29053 misadventure
29054 premenstrual
29055 redistributing
29056 compatriot
29057 unlined
29058 sprockets
29059 recuperating
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