follower
/'fɔlouə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. Someone who travels behind or pursues another: A person who moves in the same direction as another, typically behind them. 2. A person who accepts the leadership of another: An individual who supports, admires, or obeys a particular leader, teacher, or set of ideas.
Usage and Examples
- As someone moving behind another:
- The tour guide had a long line of followers as she walked through the museum.
- He glanced in his rearview mirror to check for any followers.
- As a supporter or adherent of a person or cause:
- She is a loyal follower of the philosopher's teachings.
- The politician thanked his followers for their unwavering support.
- The social media influencer has millions of followers online.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Blind follower": A person who follows or obeys without question or critical thought.
- He was not a leader but a blind follower of the regime's ideology.
- In a hierarchical or social context: The term often implies a subordinate or less powerful position relative to the leader.
- In many traditional dances, one partner is the leader and the other is the follower.
Variants and Related Words
- Follow (verb): To go or come after; to accept as a guide or leader.
- Following (noun/adj): A group of followers or supporters; coming after.
- Followership (noun): The capacity or willingness to follow a leader.
Synonyms
- Adherent: A person who follows a leader, party, or philosophy.
- Disciple: A personal follower of a teacher, especially in a religious context.
- Supporter: A person who approves of and encourages someone or something.
- Devotee: A person who is very interested in and enthusiastic about someone or something.
Antonyms
- Leader
- Opponent
- Critic
Related Phrases and Idioms
- To be a follower, not a leader: A phrase describing someone who prefers to be guided by others rather than taking initiative or responsibility.
- In group projects, he tends to be a follower, not a leader.
- To gain/lose followers: To acquire or lose supporters, especially in contexts like social media or politics.
- The controversial statement caused her to lose thousands of followers overnight.
Noun
- someone who travels behind or pursues another
- a person who accepts the leadership of another