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Guild Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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guild

[ɡɪld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

group

A guild is an association of artisans or merchants who oversee the practice of their craft in a particular town or city. Guilds have been a significant part of human history, playing a crucial role in the development of trade and craftsmanship.

Synonyms

association, society, union.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
guild

A medieval or historical organization of people with similar interests or professions, often craftsmen or merchants. Modern usage can refer to groups in online games or specific professional communities.

  • The blacksmith joined a guild to improve his skills and trade secrets.
  • They formed a guild in the online game to complete quests together.
association

A group of people organized for a joint purpose, often used for professional or social groups.

  • She became a member of the National Writers Association to network with other authors.
  • The neighborhood association meets once a month to discuss local issues.
union

A group of workers formed to protect their rights and interests, often in the context of labor relations. It can also refer to a combination or coalition of states, organizations, or individuals.

  • The workers went on strike to demand better wages from the factory owners through their union.
  • The European Union consists of 27 member countries that work together economically and politically.
society

A broad term for a community or group of people who share a common interest, often cultural or academic. It can also mean the aggregate of people living together in a more or less ordered community.

  • He joined the Historical Society to learn more about the town's past.
  • The university's debate society won several awards this year.

Examples of usage

  • Members of the blacksmith guild meet every month to discuss new techniques.
  • The pottery guild organizes an annual exhibition to showcase their members' work.
Context #2 | Verb

video games

In video games, to guild means to join a group of players who work together to achieve common goals, such as defeating powerful bosses or completing challenging quests.

Synonyms

join forces, team up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
guild

Typically used more in the historical or fantasy context, referring to an association of artisans or merchants in the past.

  • In medieval times, the baker's guild controlled the quality and price of bread
team up

Best used in casual or informal settings when people come together to work on a project or task.

  • Let's team up to finish this assignment on time
join forces

Appropriate when describing individuals or groups combining their efforts or resources to achieve a common goal.

  • The two companies decided to join forces to develop a new piece of technology

Examples of usage

  • I decided to guild with my friends to take on the final raid boss together.
  • Players often guild up to tackle the toughest dungeons in the game.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'guild' comes from the Old Norse word 'gild', meaning 'payment' or 'sacrificial offering', reflecting the idea of members contributing to a common cause.
  • In medieval Europe, guilds were formed to protect the interests and practices of tradespeople and artisans, regulating quality and training apprentices.
  • The first known guild dates back to the 12th century in France, where merchants banded together for mutual support against competition and to secure better trading conditions.

Art and Culture

  • Many famous art movements, such as the Renaissance, had guilds that were instrumental in supporting and mentoring artists, leading to the creation of timeless masterpieces.
  • In the gaming world, 'guilds' have evolved into online communities where players collaborate, share strategies, and achieve in-game goals together.
  • Craft guilds historically included activities like pottery, weaving, and metalwork, influencing the development of artistic techniques and styles still relevant today.

Economics

  • Guilds played a significant role in the economic system of medieval cities, controlling trade practices and monopolizing markets to ensure fair prices.
  • Throughout history, guilds helped to stabilize the economy within their communities by creating standards for goods and services, preventing fraud.
  • The decline of guilds in the 18th century coincided with the rise of capitalism, altering the dynamics of trade and professional practice.

Modern Usage

  • Today, many professional associations and unions can be seen as modern guilds, providing advocacy and resources for employees in various fields.
  • In the digital world, online guilds or 'clans' serve as virtual spaces where people share skills, such as coding, writing, and game development.
  • The concept of 'creative guilds' has emerged in the 21st century, uniting writers, musicians, and filmmakers to support each other's projects through collaboration.

Origin of 'guild'

The term 'guild' originated from the Old English word 'gild,' which meant a payment or tribute. Over time, it evolved to refer to a group of people with a common interest or purpose. Guilds have a long history dating back to the Middle Ages, where they played a vital role in regulating trade and protecting the interests of their members. While the influence of traditional guilds has declined, the concept of guilds continues to exist in various forms in modern society.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,154, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.