Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/kəˈmjuːnɪti/

Definitions

• A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.
• The condition of sharing or having certain attitudes and interests in common.
• A group of people working together for a common purpose.
• The collective aspect of the human experience; the people with whom one interacts regularly.

Usage Examples

• The local community gathered to celebrate the festival.
• The online gaming community has grown significantly over the years.
• We need to strengthen the community by fostering a sense of belonging.

Etymology

The word "community" comes from the Old French word "communité," which is derived from the Latin "communitas," meaning "shared by all." The prefix "com-" means "together," and "munus" means "gift" or "service." Thus, "community" originally referred to people united by mutual interests, responsibilities, or benefits.

Synonyms

• Society
• Collective
• Group
• Association
• Fellowship

Antonyms

• Isolation
• Independence
• Individualism
• Solitude
• Alienation

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "community" can vary based on regional accents. In North America, it is often pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable, while in the UK, the first syllable may be emphasized. Additionally, non-native speakers may pronounce it differently depending on their language background, such as in French or Spanish-speaking regions.

Historical Usage

The concept of "community" has existed since ancient times. It has evolved over centuries, especially during the rise of civilizations, to refer to groups of people living together with common interests or goals. The modern usage of the term expanded in the 19th and 20th centuries with the development of social theory and urbanization, as thinkers like Émile Durkheim examined the role of communities in social cohesion.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, the term "community" carries distinct meanings. For example, in collectivist societies, community may imply a deep-rooted connection and mutual responsibility among people. In more individualistic societies, it might refer to a more loosely structured group formed by people with shared interests or goals. The modern "online community" has added new dimensions to the meaning, where people across the globe can unite through virtual platforms.

More Information

The term "community" refers to groups of people who share common values, interests, or geographic locations. It can be used to describe everything from a neighborhood to an online group or a cultural or professional association. The core concept of community revolves around connections, cooperation, and the shared sense of belonging among individuals. As the world becomes more interconnected, the definition of community continues to expand, encompassing both physical and digital spaces. Understanding community dynamics is important in fields ranging from sociology to urban planning to digital technologies, where community-building plays a crucial role in creating cohesive societies.