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Fellowship: meaning, definitions and examples

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fellowship

 

[ˈfɛləʊʃɪp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

group of people

A fellowship is a friendly association among people who share common interests or activities. It can also refer to a group of people who are united by a common purpose or interest, such as a fellowship of scholars or artists.

Synonyms

association, community, society.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fellowship

Used when referring to a friendly and supportive group, often with a shared goal or interest. It can imply a close, almost familial bond between members.

  • The hiking club had a strong sense of fellowship among its members.
  • During the retreat, the fellowship we experienced was heartwarming.
association

Typically used for formal organizations or groups formed for a specific purpose, often professional or academic. It implies a structured and official setup.

  • The Medical Association held its annual conference in New York.
  • He joined the local Bar Association after finishing law school.
society

Refers to an organized group of people with a common interest or activity, often used in the context of larger, more formal groups. It can also refer to the general population.

  • The Historical Society preserves old buildings and artifacts.
  • He studies the impact of technology on modern society.
community

Best used when referring to a group of people living in the same area or sharing a common interest or characteristic. It emphasizes a sense of belonging and mutual support.

  • The local community came together to clean up the park.
  • She felt a strong sense of community at the neighborhood meeting.

Examples of usage

  • The members of the hiking club formed a strong fellowship based on their love for the outdoors.
  • The fellowship of writers met regularly to discuss their latest works.
  • The fellowship of scientists collaborated on a groundbreaking research project.
Context #2 | Noun

academic

In an academic context, a fellowship is a grant or stipend awarded to support a scholar's research or study. It can provide financial assistance as well as opportunities for professional development.

Synonyms

grant, scholarship, stipend.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fellowship

Used to describe a program of study or research, often advanced, that typically includes financial support. It may also imply a sense of community and collaboration among participants.

  • He was awarded a fellowship at the university to continue his research.
  • The fellowship offers support and resources for scientists working on groundbreaking projects.
grant

Commonly refers to financial aid provided for a specific purpose, often by governments, institutions, or foundations. This does not typically require repayment.

  • She received a grant to fund her research on climate change.
  • The government provides grants to support small business startups.
scholarship

Usually refers to a financial award given to students based on academic or other achievements to support their education. Scholarships often have specific criteria for eligibility.

  • He earned a scholarship for his outstanding academic performance.
  • The university offers a number of scholarships for international students.
stipend

Describes a fixed sum of money paid regularly, often as a salary or allowance for services, living costs, or to support some part of an individual's living expenses while they are in school or doing research.

  • She received a monthly stipend during her internship at the research lab.
  • Graduate students often live on modest stipends while completing their degrees.

Examples of usage

  • She received a prestigious fellowship to conduct research at the renowned institute.
  • The fellowship allowed him to focus on his studies without worrying about financial constraints.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Old English 'fela' meaning 'many' and 'ship' meaning 'relationship', hinting at a bond among many people.
  • In Middle English, 'felaw' referred to a companion, indicating the closeness of relationships that fellowship implies.

Cultural Significance

  • In many religious contexts, fellowship refers to a community of believers coming together for worship and support.
  • Universities often have fellowship programs that offer financial aid and learning opportunities, fostering collaboration among students.

Literature

  • In J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings', the Fellowship of the Ring is a group joining forces to destroy a powerful ring, symbolizing unity in a shared quest.
  • In classic literature, many narratives explore the idea of friendship and community as fundamental to the human experience.

Psychology

  • Studies show that strong social connections, or fellowship, can boost mental health and increase happiness.
  • Feeling a sense of belonging within a fellowship provides emotional support and reduces feelings of loneliness.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows often highlight the importance of fellowship among characters, emphasizing teamwork and loyalty, such as in 'Friends' or 'The Big Bang Theory'.
  • Fellowship is celebrated in various social movements, where communities come together to advocate for change and support one another.

Translations

Translations of the word "fellowship" in other languages:

🇵🇹 companheirismo

🇮🇳 सहकारिता

🇩🇪 Gefährtschaft

🇮🇩 persahabatan

🇺🇦 товариство

🇵🇱 towarzystwo

🇯🇵 友情 (ゆうじょう)

🇫🇷 compagnonnage

🇪🇸 compañerismo

🇹🇷 arkadaşlık

🇰🇷 동료애 (dongnyoae)

🇸🇦 زمالة

🇨🇿 společenství

🇸🇰 spoločenstvo

🇨🇳 友谊 (yǒuyì)

🇸🇮 tovarištvo

🇮🇸 félagsskapur

🇰🇿 жолдастық

🇬🇪 მეგობრობა

🇦🇿 yoldaşlıq

🇲🇽 compañerismo

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,426 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.