Member Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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member
[ˈmɛmbər ]
Definitions
team
A person, animal, or thing that is part of a group or team.
Synonyms
associate, comrade, participant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| member |
used for someone who belongs to a group, organization, or community. Often neutral and formal.
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| participant |
used for someone who takes part in an event, activity, or competition. Often implies active involvement in a specific occasion.
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| associate |
used for someone with whom one is connected, usually in a professional or business context. Can also imply a lower level of involvement or responsibility.
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| comrade |
commonly used in a political or military context to refer to a fellow soldier or party member. Has a sense of loyalty and solidarity, but can carry a negative connotation due to historical associations with communism.
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Examples of usage
- He is a valuable member of our team.
- She has been a member of the club for years.
organization
A person who joins a group, society, or organization.
Synonyms
affiliate, subscriber, supporter.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| member |
Used when referring to someone who is part of an organization, group, or community. It generally implies an official association.
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| affiliate |
Used when referring to an entity or a person that is officially connected to a larger organization but still operates somewhat independently. Common in business or organizational contexts.
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| subscriber |
Used when referring to someone who has signed up to receive regular updates or services, often in the context of publications, online content, or utilities.
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| supporter |
Used to refer to someone who actively supports a cause, team, or person, often with enthusiasm and sometimes financial donations. This word carries a positive connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She became a member of the local community center.
- Are you a member of any professional associations?
society
An individual belonging to a group or society.
Synonyms
citizen, member of the community, resident.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| member |
Use this word for someone who belongs to a group or organization. It is broad and does not specify the nature of the group.
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| member of the community |
This phrase refers to someone who actively takes part in local activities and shows involvement in the local area. Often used to emphasize community engagement or solidarity.
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| citizen |
This word is used to describe a person who legally belongs to a particular country and has rights and responsibilities within that country.
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| resident |
This term specifically refers to a person who lives in a particular place, often used in reference to a city, town, or other defined area.
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Examples of usage
- He is a respected member of the society.
- As a member of the council, she has a voice in decision-making.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Context
- Being a member of a community can give people a sense of belonging and identity.
- In various cultures, membership in societies can come with unique privileges like knowledge preservation, rituals, and mentorship.
- Many professional organizations create a network of members who can support each other's careers and growth.
Pop Culture
- Fan clubs often refer to their followers as members, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts.
- Movies and series like 'The Avengers' emphasize the importance of teamwork, showcasing how individual members contribute to the group.
- In online gaming, being a member of a guild can enhance gameplay through collaboration and shared resources.
Psychology
- Membership in groups can fulfill human needs for social connection, leading to better mental health.
- Studies show that individuals who feel they belong to a group often experience increased levels of happiness and confidence.
- Group membership can influence personal identity, leading individuals to align their beliefs and behaviors with those of the group.
Education
- In academic settings, being a member of a student organization can boost leadership skills and networking opportunities.
- Classroom discussions often encourage students to see themselves as members of a learning community, promoting collaboration.
- Educational policies may also encourage parental membership in school boards to foster cooperation between families and schools.
Origin of 'member'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'member' comes from the Latin 'membrum', meaning 'part of a body'.
- In medieval times, 'member' referred to a part of a person's body and gradually evolved to mean part of a group.
- In the 14th century, the term started being used to describe individuals within a society or organization.
The word 'member' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'membre' and the Latin word 'membrum', meaning a body part or limb. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to a person belonging to a group or organization. The concept of membership has been integral to human societies throughout history, shaping social structures and relationships.
See also: dismember, dismemberment, members, membership.