Fellowship
/ˈfɛloʊʃɪp/
Definitions
3 meaningsA friendly association or companionship, particularly among people who share common interests or goals.
/ˈfɛloʊʃɪp/
A friendly association, especially with people who share one's interests or beliefs.
The support group offered a strong sense of fellowship to its members.
💡 Simply: Fellowship is like hanging out with your buddies who like the same things you do. If you and your friends are all into video games, that's a kind of fellowship! It's about enjoying each other's company and doing fun stuff together.
👶 For kids: When friends like to hang out and do things together, that's called fellowship!
More Examples
They enjoyed the fellowship of like-minded individuals at the conference.
The university fostered a strong sense of academic fellowship.
How It's Used
"The club provides a sense of fellowship for its members."
"The church offered fellowship to those seeking spiritual guidance."
A group of people united by a common interest, purpose, or activity, often with a sense of mutual support.
/ˈfɛloʊʃɪp/
A group of people sharing a common interest or activity.
The scientific fellowship is dedicated to advancing research.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, fellowship is a group of people who do something together. Think of a book club, or a study group; that's another kind of fellowship!
👶 For kids: A fellowship is like a group of friends or people who like doing the same things together!
More Examples
The church fellowship organized a charity event.
The writers' fellowship provides support and critique for aspiring authors.
How It's Used
"He was awarded a fellowship to conduct research at the university."
"The church fellowship met for bible study."
A grant of money awarded to a scholar to support advanced study or research, usually in a specific field.
/ˈfɛloʊʃɪp/
A grant of money for advanced study or research.
He was awarded a prestigious fellowship from the National Science Foundation.
💡 Simply: If you're a really smart student or researcher, sometimes universities give you a fellowship. It's like a scholarship, but usually for people who are already pretty advanced in their studies. They give you money to study and do your research!
👶 For kids: A fellowship is like a prize that helps you go to school or study something super smart!
More Examples
The fellowship enabled her to conduct research abroad.
She applied for a fellowship to continue her studies in astrophysics.
How It's Used
"She received a fellowship to pursue her doctoral studies."
"The fellowship funded his work on climate change."
Idioms & expressions
fellow traveler
A person who sympathizes with and supports the aims of a political movement or organization without being a member.
"The political party had many fellow travelers who supported their cause."
From Middle English felaweshipe, from Old English ġefēlaġesċipe ('partnership, companionship').
The word 'fellowship' has been used since the 13th century, initially referring to a partnership or companionship, and evolving to encompass religious and academic contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a 'fellow' and 'ship' – a ship carrying people who are 'fellows' or friends.