Definition

1. Noun:
   • A group of people sharing a common profession or interests: A fraternity can refer to a community of individuals united by their occupation, field of study, or shared interests, often implying a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
   • A social organization for male college students: In North American universities, a fraternity is a social club, typically with a Greek-letter name, for male undergraduate students, often involving shared living quarters and organized activities.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • There is a strong sense of solidarity within the legal fraternity. (This refers to the community of lawyers.)
  • He decided to join a fraternity during his freshman year at university. (This refers to a male social club on campus.)

Advanced Usage

• "The fraternity of nations": This phrase metaphorically describes the community of all nations, emphasizing ideals of brotherhood and cooperation.
  • The treaty was signed in the spirit of the fraternity of nations.

Variants and Related Words

• Fraternal (adj): Relating to or characteristic of a fraternity; brotherly.
  • They maintained a fraternal bond long after graduation.
• Fraternize (verb): To associate or form a friendship with someone, often used in contexts where such association is discouraged.
  • Soldiers were ordered not to fraternize with the local population.

Synonyms

• Brotherhood: A close-knit group of people, especially men, sharing common interests or goals.
• Guild: An association of people with similar interests or pursuits, especially in a trade or craft.
• Society: An organized group of people with a common purpose or interest.

Related Phrases

• Fraternity house: The residential building where members of a college fraternity live.
  • The party was held at the Sigma Chi fraternity house.

Related Idioms

• "Fraternity and sorority life": A collective term for the system of social organizations for male (fraternities) and female (sororities) students in colleges.
  • Fraternity and sorority life is a major part of the campus culture at many American universities.

Noun

1. people engaged in a particular occupation
   • the medical fraternity
2. a social club for male undergraduates