Follower Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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follower

[หˆfษ’l.ษ™สŠษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

social media

A person who follows or subscribes to another person's account or profile on social media platforms.

Synonyms

admirer, fan, subscriber.

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Word Description / Examples
follower

This is a duplicate word. Please refer to the first entry for 'follower'.

subscriber

Typically used for someone who regularly receives content or services, often through a formal arrangement or payment, such as newsletters, magazines, or digital platforms.

  • He is a subscriber to several tech magazines.
  • She has over a million subscribers on her YouTube channel.
fan

Typically used to describe someone with enthusiastic interest or support for a particular person, group, or activity, especially in entertainment or sports.

  • He's a big fan of the local football team.
  • She is a fan of that actor and has seen all his movies.
admirer

Used when someone has a great deal of respect or love for another person, often in a more personal or romantic sense.

  • She has had many secret admirers over the years.
  • He is an admirer of her work and often sends her letters.

Examples of usage

  • She has over 10,000 followers on Instagram.
  • As a content creator, gaining more followers is important for visibility and engagement.
Context #2 | Noun

religion

A person who believes in and follows the teachings of a particular leader or religious figure.

Synonyms

adherent, devotee, disciple.

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Word Description / Examples
follower

Appropriate for general use when referring to someone who supports or admires a particular person, group, or idea.

  • She has many followers on social media.
  • He is a follower of the latest fashion trends.
disciple

Primarily used in a religious or philosophical context to describe someone who follows the teachings of a specific leader or ideology.

  • The disciples of the guru gathered for a meditation session.
  • He is considered a disciple of the famous philosopher.
adherent

Suitable when describing someone who sticks firmly to a particular set of beliefs or principles, often in a formal or serious context.

  • She is a strict adherent of the vegan lifestyle.
  • The politician has many adherents who support his policies.
devotee

Best used when referring to someone who is very enthusiastic and passionate about a particular activity or subject.

  • He is a devotee of classical music, attending every concert in town.
  • As a chess devotee, she spends hours analyzing games.

Examples of usage

  • He is a devout follower of Buddhism.
  • The guru had many loyal followers who adhered to his teachings.
Context #3 | Noun

general

A person who supports, admires, or obeys someone or something.

Synonyms

adherent, admirer, supporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
follower

Used to describe someone who regularly pays attention to and supports someone or something, such as on social media or in fan communities.

  • She has over a million followers on Instagram
  • | The politician's followers gathered at the rally
supporter

Used to describe someone who actively helps and believes in a person, cause, or team, often contributing resources or effort.

  • She is a passionate supporter of animal rights
  • | The team had many supporters cheering from the stands
admirer

Typically used to describe someone who looks up to or has a strong respect or romantic interest in someone.

  • He is an admirer of classical art
  • | She found out that she had a secret admirer who left her flowers every day
adherent

Often used in more formal or serious contexts to describe someone who strongly believes in and supports a particular idea, cause, or leader.

  • He is a strict adherent of the new school policy
  • | The adherents of the movement held a conference to discuss their next steps

Examples of usage

  • She was a passionate follower of the arts.
  • He was a follower of the new diet trend.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Social Media

  • In the context of social media, a follower is someone who subscribes to another user's updates and content.
  • Platforms like Twitter and Instagram define engagement through follower counts, impacting visibility and influence.
  • Celebrity influencers often rely on large follower bases to affect trends and consumer behaviors.

Psychology

  • People tend to follow others as a way to seek validation or a sense of belonging.
  • Psychologists suggest that following can stem from the desire for security, as individuals may look to others for social proof in decision-making.
  • Group dynamics illustrate how leaders often emerge in groups, with followers choosing to align based on trust and admiration.

Literature

  • Many literary works explore the theme of following - whether it's characters pursuing ideals or following leaders.
  • In classic epic tales, such as in 'The Iliad,' followers often depicted loyalty and the adherence to a charismatic leaderโ€™s vision.
  • The dynamic between leaders and followers is key to numerous plots, showcasing the influence of social hierarchy.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows frequently depict followers in various contexts, such as fan clubs or cult-like groups with dedicated adherents.
  • The concept of the follower is also explored through characters who challenge society, sometimes leading their own followers to question norms.
  • Fictional narratives often highlight the complexity of alliances, where followers can also become rivals, adding depth to character relationships.

Origin of 'follower'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'follere,' meaning to be a follower or supporter.
  • It combines with the verb 'follow,' which traces back to the Proto-Germanic '*fullลnฤ…,' meaning to go after, emphasizing direction and pursuit.

The word 'follower' originated from the Old English word 'folgere', which meant 'one who follows or comes after'. The concept of followership has been prevalent in human societies throughout history, ranging from religious followers to social media followers. In modern times, the term has gained significance in the context of social media platforms, where individuals can follow and subscribe to others' accounts to stay updated on their activities and content.


See also: follow, followers, following.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,723, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.