community

Pronunciation: /kəˈmjuːnɪti/

noun

Difficulty: common

Definition of community

A unified group of individuals who reside in the same geographical area or are bound together by shared interests, goals, or values, fostering social connection and mutual support.

Origin of community

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: communitas

Original meaning: fellowship, shared responsibility

How it evolved: The term evolved through Old French as 'communité,' retaining its sense of shared belonging and mutual obligations before entering Middle English in the 14th century.

The word 'community' originates from the Latin word 'communitas,' meaning 'fellowship' or 'shared responsibility,' highlighting its roots in collective living and cooperation.

First known use: 14th century

How to Remember community

Think of 'common' + 'unity': A community brings people together under common goals or interests, fostering unity.

Synonyms for community

  • collective
  • society
  • neighborhood
  • cohort
  • populace
  • fellowship
  • commune
  • association

Antonyms of community

community in a Sentence

  1. The university aims to create a vibrant community where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive academically and socially.
  2. The artist's work was deeply inspired by the sense of solidarity and resilience within her rural community.
  3. During the crisis, the community banded together, exemplifying the spirit of collective responsibility.

community in Literature & Culture

The word 'community' often appears in literature and political speeches, symbolizing unity and collective strength, such as in Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches advocating for equality and social justice.

Usage Notes

While 'community' often refers to a geographic or social group, it can also describe abstract concepts such as the 'scientific community' or 'online community.' Avoid confusing it with individualistic terms like 'society,' which can have a broader or more formal connotation.

Why community Matters for GRE & SAT

This word is commonly used in reading comprehension passages or analytical writing tasks to describe groups, societal interactions, or shared interests—important themes for GRE-level discourse.

Word Family

communal (adjective)
Relating to or shared by a community or group.
commune (noun)
A small group of people living together and sharing responsibilities and resources.
communicate (verb)
To share or exchange information, ideas, or feelings.
communion (noun)
The sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, often on a spiritual level.
communitarian (noun)
An advocate of a community-centered approach to social and political issues.

Did You Know?

  • The term 'community' is frequently used in sociology to analyze human behavior, making it a cornerstone of the discipline.
  • The idea of 'community' has inspired countless utopian novels, including Thomas More's 'Utopia' and Edward Bellamy's 'Looking Backward.'
  • Modern technology has given rise to virtual communities, where geographical proximity is no longer a prerequisite for forming connections.
  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • calumny — slander and defamation

More Vocabulary Words Starting with C

  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • calumny — slander and defamation
  • calumny — slander and defamation