fraternity

fra·ter·ni·ty

noun \frə-ˈtər-nə-tē\

plural fra·ter·ni·ties

Definition of FRATERNITY

1

: a group of people associated or formally organized for a common purpose, interest, or pleasure: as a : a fraternal order b : guild 1 c : a men's student organization formed chiefly for social purposes having secret rites and a name consisting of Greek letters d : a student organization for scholastic, professional, or extracurricular activities <a debating fraternity>

2

: the quality or state of being brothers : brotherliness

3

: persons of the same class, profession, character, or tastes <the racetrack fraternity>

Examples of FRATERNITY

1. an atmosphere of fraternity and cooperation
2. <a firm believer in community service and a dedicated member of the local fraternity of Good Samaritans>

First Known Use of FRATERNITY

14th century

Related to FRATERNITY

Synonyms: board, brotherhood, chamber, club, college, congress, consortium, council, fellowship, association, guild (also gild), institute, institution, league, order, organization, society, sodality

Related Words: collective, commune, community, cooperative; alliance, bloc, camp, coalition, partnership; body, cadre, group; circle, clan, clique, coterie, junta, junto, klatch (also klatsch), lot, set; crew, outfit, party, squad, team; branch, chapter, local; faithful, fold, membership; sisterhood, sorority; cabal, camarilla, camorra, confederacy, conspiracy; band, gang, ring; cartel, combine, syndicate

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with FRATERNITY

eternity, maternity, modernity, paternity, quaternity