Fellows: meaning, definitions and examples

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fellows

[ˈfɛloʊz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

group of people

Fellows refer to a group of people who share a common interest, profession, or purpose. They often come together to collaborate, support each other, and work towards common goals.

Synonyms

associates, colleagues, members.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fellows	Commonly used in academic or professional settings to describe individuals who are part of a group with a shared aim or qualification, often seen in research or scholarly contexts. The fellows at the research institute are working on groundbreaking discoveries. Join the fellowship and contribute to our scientific projects.
members	Used in a broad range of contexts to describe individuals belonging to a group, club, organization, or team. This term emphasizes inclusion and participation within the group. All members of the committee are expected to attend the meeting. She is a proud member of the local book club.
colleagues	Generally used in a professional context to describe people who work together in the same organization or profession, often implying a respectful and equal working relationship. I always enjoy collaborating with my colleagues on new projects. My colleagues and I are attending a conference next week.
associates	Most often used in corporate or business environments to describe people who work together, typically with a professional relationship that isn't necessarily close. Our associates in the marketing department have come up with a new strategy. She was promoted to senior associate after five years with the firm.

Examples of usage

They are all fellows of the Royal Society.
She introduced me to her fellow musicians.
The fellows gathered to discuss the latest research findings.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

university context

In a university setting, fellows are often scholars or researchers who are appointed based on their expertise and contributions to their field. They may be involved in teaching, research, and mentoring students.

Synonyms

academics, researchers, scholars.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fellows	Used to refer to people who are members of a group or organization, often having similar interests or a shared purpose. Common in academic and professional settings where collaboration or partnership is essential. The fellows at the institute are working on a groundbreaking project. She bonded quickly with her fellows during the conference.
scholars	Used to describe individuals who have advanced knowledge in a specific field, often through prolonged study and research. Implies a deep level of expertise and intellectual achievement. The scholars presented their findings at the international conference. She was recognized as one of the leading scholars in medieval history.
academics	Refers to people who are involved in teaching or research at colleges or universities. Highlights their professional role in education and scholarly pursuits. The academics at the university are publishing their research findings. He admired the work of the leading academics in his field.
researchers	Describes individuals dedicated to conducting systematic investigations to establish facts or principles. Often used in scientific, medical, and social sciences contexts. The researchers spent years collecting data on climate change. Funding for researchers is essential for scientific advancements.

Examples of usage

Professor Smith was appointed as a fellow of the university.
The fellows presented their research at the conference.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'fellow' comes from the Old Norse word 'fjelagi', meaning 'partner' or 'companion'.
In medieval times, it referred to someone who held equal rights in a guild or community.
Over time, its meaning expanded to include any male companion or friend.

Literature

In literature, fellow characters often share common traits or goals, forming strong bonds and driving the story forward.
Classic works like J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Fellowship of the Ring' showcase a group of diverse fellows united by a common purpose.
The term is often used to explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and teamwork in various narratives.

Social Dynamics

The concept of fellows is crucial in social settings, as strong bonds often lead to collaboration and collective achievements.
Being part of a group of fellows can enhance one’s sense of belonging and community.
Positive relationships among fellows can lead to increased motivation and support in both personal and professional settings.

Education

The term is commonly used in academic contexts, such as 'fellowships', where students or researchers receive funding to pursue projects.
Fellows in educational programs often collaborate, share knowledge, and inspire one another in their learning journeys.
Mentorship programs frequently pair experienced fellows with newcomers to enhance skill development and network growth.

Pop Culture

In modern pop culture, movies and TV shows often depict groups of friends (fellows) going on adventures, showcasing teamwork and camaraderie.
Popular series like 'Friends' highlight the ups and downs of friendships, ironically demonstrating the importance of being a good fellow.
The camaraderie of fellow characters can often lead to memorable moments and quotable lines that resonate with viewers.

Translations

Translations of the word "fellows" in other languages:

🇵🇹 companheiros

🇮🇳 साथी

🇩🇪 Kollegen

🇮🇩 rekan

🇺🇦 товариші

🇵🇱 towarzysze

🇯🇵 仲間 (なかま)

🇫🇷 compagnons

🇪🇸 compañeros

🇹🇷 arkadaşlar

🇰🇷 동료들 (dongnyodeul)

🇸🇦 زملاء

🇨🇿 kolegové

🇸🇰 kolegovia

🇨🇳 同事 (tóngshì)

🇸🇮 tovariši

🇮🇸 félagar

🇰🇿 әріптестер

🇬🇪 თანამშრომლები

🇦🇿 həmkarlar

🇲🇽 compañeros

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,027 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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6024 soda
6025 luxury
6026 transient
6027 fellows
6028 notification
6029 preserving
6030 waiver
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