Cohort

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkoʊ.hɔːrt/

Definitions

• A group of people banded together or treated as a group, often sharing a common characteristic or interest.
• A group of people working together or sharing a common goal, especially in research or studies.
• In historical contexts, a cohort was a military unit in the Roman army.

Usage Examples

• She joined a cohort of young professionals working to address climate change.
• The research cohort studied the effects of the new medication over a year.
• The Roman cohorts were pivotal to the success of the empire’s military campaigns.

Etymology

Originates from the Latin word "cohors," meaning "an enclosure" or "a group of soldiers," which later evolved to describe any group of people or things. It comes from the prefix "com-" (together) and "hortus" (enclosure, garden), referring to people being grouped together in an enclosed space.

Synonyms

• Group
• Team
• Squad
• Fellowship
• Circle

Antonyms

• Individual
• Solo
• Outcast

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• Spanish (Spain): /ˈɡɾupo/
• French (France): /ɡʁup/
• English (British): /ˈkəʊ.hɔːt/

Historical Usage

In Roman military terms, a cohort referred to one of the ten divisions of a Roman legion, typically consisting of about 480 soldiers. The term was used throughout the history of the Roman Empire to describe these specialized groups. Over time, the word "cohort" expanded in its meaning to represent any group or unit working together, not only in military contexts but also in social and academic settings.

Cultural Nuances

In modern usage, the term "cohort" is often associated with groups of people who share common characteristics or goals, such as in research studies, where a "cohort" refers to a group of individuals being studied over time. In some cultures, "cohorts" might also refer to friends or companions with a shared purpose, which highlights the sense of camaraderie and mutual support among individuals in the group. Cohorts are also key in understanding group dynamics and are often used in social science studies to understand how people interact within communities or teams.

More Information

The term "cohort" has evolved significantly over time. Originally, it referred to military units in ancient Rome, but today, it is used widely in various fields, such as education, sociology, medicine, and business. In academic research, a cohort often refers to a group of people who share a particular characteristic, such as age or location, and are studied over time. The sense of collaboration and collective effort is central to the term, emphasizing how people or entities function together as a cohesive unit to achieve a common goal.