confraternity
|con-fra-ter-ni-ty|
🇺🇸
/ˌkɑnfrəˈtɝnɪti/
🇬🇧
/ˌkɒnfrəˈtɜːnɪti/
organized brotherhood; fellowship
Etymology
'confraternity' originates from Late Latin, specifically the word 'confraternitas', where the prefix 'con-' meant 'together' and 'fraternitas' meant 'brotherhood'.
'confraternity' changed from the Late Latin word 'confraternitas' (used in ecclesiastical contexts) and passed into Middle English/modern English as 'confraternity'.
Initially, it referred mainly to an organized brotherhood in a religious context; over time it broadened to mean any association or spirit of brotherhood and mutual support.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a society or association of people (often with a common interest, profession, or religious belief) formed for mutual aid, fellowship, or charitable purposes.
She joined a local confraternity dedicated to helping the homeless.
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Noun 2
a brotherhood or close fellowship — the spirit or state of being like brothers; comradeship.
The confraternity among the volunteers made the difficult work feel less burdensome.
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Noun 3
specifically, a lay religious brotherhood or an organized group within a church (often in Roman Catholic context) formed for devotional, charitable, or liturgical purposes.
The confraternity organized the annual procession and collected funds for the parish.
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Last updated: 2026/01/07 20:16