Members Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

👥

Add to dictionary

members

[ˈmɛmbərz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

group

Individuals who belong to a particular group or organization, especially a formal one.

Synonyms

contributors, partakers, participants, participants.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
members	Used to refer to people who belong to a specific group, organization, or community, often implying a formal membership. All members of the club are invited to the annual meeting. She is a member of the local library.
participants	Used to describe individuals who take part in an event, activity, or competition, often without implying formal membership or contribution. All participants in the race will receive a certificate. The workshop had over a hundred participants.
partakers	Less common term, typically used in more formal or literary contexts, refers to those who take part in or experience something, often implying a shared activity or experience. They were partakers in the grand feast held by the king. As partakers in the event, they all had to sign a release form.
contributors	Refers to those who actively contribute or provide input, whether it be ideas, work, or resources, often in a collaborative setting. The contributors to the project will be acknowledged in the final report. He is a regular contributor to the magazine.

Examples of usage

All members of the club are invited to the party.
She has been a loyal member of the team for years.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

organization

A person or country that has joined a group or organization.

Synonyms

affiliate, associate, participant, representative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
members	Used to refer to individuals belonging to a group, organization, or club. The members of the book club meet every Tuesday. Gym members receive discounts on products.
affiliate	Used to describe a person or organization that is attached or connected to a larger organization, often in a formal manner. He works as an affiliate of the main company. The university has several affiliates that contribute to its research projects.
associate	Refers to someone who is connected or involved with a group or organization, often in a business context, but not necessarily a full member. She is an associate at the law firm. As an associate professor, he has some administrative duties.
participant	Used when referring to someone who takes part in an event, activity, or competition. Participants in the marathon will receive medals. Every participant must register before the conference.
representative	Refers to a person who speaks or acts on behalf of an organization, group, or another person. The company's representative addressed the media. She is the student representative for the freshman class.

Examples of usage

The United States is a founding member of the United Nations.
He is a key member of the board of directors.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

body part

A part of the body, especially a limb.

Synonyms

appendage, limb, organ, part.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
members	Refers to individuals belonging to a group or organization. Can also mean parts of a body, but this usage is less common. All members of the club are invited to the meeting. The council has ten members.
limb	Specifically refers to arms and legs of a human or similar body parts of animals and plants. Used in both medical and everyday contexts. The man injured his limb in the accident. Each limb of the tree was covered in snow.
appendage	Usually refers to something that is attached to something larger or more important. In biology, it refers to body parts like arms, legs, or antennae. The small group acted as an appendage to the main organization. Insects have various appendages used for different functions.
organ	Refers to parts of the body that have specific functions, such as the heart or liver. Also used metaphorically to refer to divisions within organizations. The liver is a vital organ for detoxification. The press is often seen as an organ of democracy.
part	Used to refer to any segment, component, or piece of a whole. It is a very general term and can be applied in numerous contexts. Each part of the machine must be cleaned thoroughly. He has a part in the play.

Examples of usage

She felt a pain in her arm, as if every member of her body was aching.
He stretched every member of his body before the race.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Social Dynamics

Membership often fosters a sense of belonging, connecting people through shared goals or interests.
Groups can have exclusive members, creating a sense of prestige or importance.
Social memberships can influence identity, shaping how individuals see themselves within the context of the group.

Psychology

Belonging to a group can significantly impact self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Research indicates that people who feel like they are part of a community are more likely to exhibit positive mental health.
Group membership can lead to behaviors like conformity, where individuals adapt their actions to align with group norms.

History

Throughout history, members of assemblies and councils played crucial roles in governance and decision-making.
Membership in guilds during the Middle Ages was essential for economic and social mobility.
Political parties typically have members who help shape policies and electoral strategies.

Pop Culture

TV shows often feature groups, like friend circles or superhero teams, highlighting the dynamics among members.
Many fandoms form around shows and movies, creating communities of members who share a common interest.
In music, bands are often described in terms of their members, each bringing unique talents and styles to the performance.

Origin of 'members'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'membrum', meaning 'limb' or 'body part', reflecting the idea that members are parts of a larger whole.
In Old French, 'membre' was used to describe components of a community or group.
The first known use in English dates back to the 14th century, often referring to religious or formal groups.

The word 'members' originated from Middle English, from Old French menbre, based on Latin membrum. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The term has evolved to encompass different meanings related to group affiliation, organization membership, and body parts.

See also: dismember, dismemberment, member, membership.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #217, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

...
214 group
215 name
216 change
217 members
218 put
219 report
220 social
...