community
noun (countable)
UK/kəˈmjuː.nə.ti/US/kəˈmjuː.nə.ti/
A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
Example Sentences
Their shared experiences created a strong sense of community, allowing them to support each other through difficult times.
The online gaming community thrives on collaboration, competition, and mutual respect among its members.
She felt a deep sense of community at the volunteer organization, where everyone worked together towards common goals.
Building a community requires effort, communication, and a commitment to fostering positive relationships among its members.
The community's dedication to environmental conservation led to the successful implementation of several green initiatives.
In times of crisis, the community rallied together, demonstrating resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.
The artistic community in the city is vibrant and diverse, with numerous galleries, workshops, and events that showcase a wide range of creative talents.
Through shared values and common interests, the community developed a unique identity that set them apart and strengthened their collective spirit.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A group bonded by shared location, interests, or values.This noun typically signifies a group of people who are connected by a shared environment, set of values, or common interests. It can represent various scales, from a neighborhood community involved in local events to global online communities united by a common cause. In everyday communication, referring to a community often emphasizes unity, support, and collaboration. You might use this term when describing civic groups (“She’s active in the local arts community”), online platforms (“He moderates a gaming community”), or cultural circles (“They joined a community celebrating traditional crafts”). It can also underscore shared challenges or goals, such as initiatives to improve neighborhood safety or raise awareness about environmental issues. In professional or educational contexts, “community” highlights interactive engagement—like teachers fostering a classroom community, or business leaders stressing company culture. When integrating this word, clarify the nature of the bonds—location, purpose, background, or interests—and provide context about the scope of the group. For instance, an urban neighborhood community may focus on local policies and events, whereas a digital community might connect individuals scattered around the world who share a passion or profession. Overall, this term spotlights how people or organizations collaborate, share resources, and support each other’s well-being, symbolizing unity and collective identity.
Alternatives
Words like “group,” “network,” or “collective” can substitute or complement this term, depending on nuance. “Group” is broad, potentially covering any cluster of individuals, whether or not they share deep ties. “Network” emphasizes connections or relationships formed for professional or social purposes, highlighting interaction or mutual support across distances. “Collective” can imply a unified body acting with a shared mission or sense of solidarity. In more informal settings, “circle” or “crowd” might apply, though those can sometimes downplay the sense of cooperation. Other specific expressions might focus on smaller scale or tighter bonds—like “support group,” “team,” or “club.” When your goal is to emphasize diversity within a shared identity, “coalition” or “alliance” may fit. Each option conveys different degrees of formality, closeness, and intention, so pick the one reflecting your focus—whether it’s about strong personal ties, widespread professional links, or a purposeful mission. By using these alternatives strategically, you can maintain variety in your speech or writing and hone in on the exact type of collective or common ground you want to convey.
Writing
In formal or academic writing, this word underscores the interconnectedness of individuals and the significance of shared structures. For instance, an essay might discuss how a specific community forms in response to environmental concerns, explaining how common interests drive policy proposals. In research, you might examine social, economic, or cultural dynamics, showing how collective identity fosters cohesion or resolves conflicts. To enrich your text, detail what unites the members—cultural heritage, geographic proximity, shared experiences—or how they collaborate. If your work investigates community-based organizations, illustrate their role in supporting members through resources, networking, or emotional encouragement. Alternatively, you could explore how digital platforms build global communities linking scattered individuals around a cause or hobby. Combine data—like membership numbers, engagement statistics, or success stories—with quotes or personal anecdotes, painting a comprehensive picture of communal life. Whether you’re highlighting activism, societal ties, or local traditions, ensuring clarity about the group’s focus, size, and purpose offers depth and context. Vary your vocabulary by incorporating synonyms like “collective,” “cohort,” or “network,” but keep “community” as the anchor when emphasizing the importance of unity or shared goals.
Casual Conversation
In day-to-day conversation, “community” often features when discussing local gatherings, online forums, or volunteer efforts. You might tell friends about a new community event—a barbecue or charity drive in the neighborhood. Online, mentioning “I joined a fitness community” indicates you’re connecting with like-minded people to swap tips and motivation. Whether describing a group of parents collaborating on school projects or chatting about a hobby forum, using “community” signals a sense of belonging and support. It also pops up when celebrating diversity or encouraging cooperation: “Our community is really stepping up to help those in need.” In casual exchanges, you can further clarify by specifying the purpose—like a language-learning community, a gaming community, or a spiritual community—so everyone knows the common thread uniting the group. These references make daily life feel more vibrant, as people realize they can tap into local or global connections for resources, friendship, or problem-solving. When you mention “community,” you’re pointing to a welcoming environment that fosters teamwork and empathy among its members, be it through local potlucks or online discussion boards, reminding others we’re all linked by shared passions or circumstances.
Etymology
The term “community” derives from the Latin “communitas,” which fuses “com-” (together) and “munis” (sharing responsibilities or duties). Originally, it signified a collective of people bound by mutual obligations, reflecting societal structures in ancient Rome and later European civilizations. Throughout medieval times, it described locales that governed themselves with cooperative frameworks, such as rural villages or merchant guilds. As linguistic evolutions occurred, English adopted “community” to encompass various contexts, from faith-based congregations to public institutions and more fluid networks that share common interests. Its Latin roots underscore cooperation and reciprocity, central to how societies have historically tackled problems or pursued shared prosperity. Over centuries, the notion broadened beyond physical proximity, especially with industrialization and modern communication technologies, allowing people worldwide to form communities based on common goals, hobbies, or beliefs. Despite these transformations, the original essence endures—“community” still points to individuals working together, pooling resources, and leaning on one another for collective well-being. This heritage reminds us that the concept has long stood for shared support, responsibilities, and identity among people who unite around a particular cause, space, or perspective.
