fellow-creature
Definition
Noun: A fellow-creature is another living being, especially a human being, considered as sharing the same nature or condition as oneself. It emphasizes a sense of common humanity or shared existence.
Usage Examples
- (We should treat other human beings or living beings with compassion.)
- (All other beings who share our existence deserve ethical treatment.)
- (She felt a bond with other people who share her life.)
Advanced Usage
- "fellow-creature" is often used in ethical, religious, or philosophical contexts to highlight the moral obligation toward others.
- The charity works to alleviate the suffering of our fellow-creatures. (The organization helps other human beings.)
Variants and Related Words
- Fellow (adj/n): a companion or person of the same kind.
- He is a fellow student in my class. (Another student who shares the same class.)
- Creature (n): any living being, especially an animal or human.
- Every creature needs food and shelter. (All living beings require basic necessities.)
Synonyms
- Fellow human: another person of the same species.
- Neighbor: someone who lives nearby or shares a community (often used in a moral sense).
- Kindred spirit: someone with similar feelings or nature.
Related Idioms
- Our fellow man: a phrase meaning all other human beings collectively.
- We must care for our fellow man in times of need. (We must help other people.)
Note on Usage
The word "fellow-creature" is somewhat formal or literary. It is rarely used in everyday conversation but appears in speeches, essays, and religious texts. It can also refer to animals when emphasizing shared life on Earth.