Vocabulary Spotlight

Camaraderie

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A spirit of friendly, good-natured fellowship and mutual trust among a group.

“The camaraderie among teammates was evident as they celebrated each other’s successes.”

Pronunciation

[ˌkæməˈrɑːdəri]

Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words

Synonyms

Fellowship
Friendship
Solidarity
Companionship
Amity

Antonyms

Hostility
Antagonism
Isolation
Alienation
Distrust

Related Words

Comradeship (noun)
Collegiality (noun)

Word Origin

“Camaraderie” originates from the French *camarade*, meaning “comrade” or “companion.” The term was adopted in English in the mid-19th century to convey fellowship.

Word Family

Noun: Camaraderie – Spirit of friendly and supportive fellowship.

Noun: Comrade – A companion or close associate, especially in a group.

Mnemonics

Think of “camaraderie” as “comrades sharing good energy,” capturing the friendly and supportive connection among people.

Alternatively: Imagine “camaraderie” as a shared “camera-ready” smile, symbolizing the mutual support in a group.

Industry-specific Usage

Workplace

In the workplace, camaraderie describes the supportive relationship among team members that boosts morale and productivity.

Sports

In sports, camaraderie among teammates builds trust and cohesion, contributing to team spirit and collective success.

Military

In the military, camaraderie is essential for unit cohesion, fostering trust and mutual reliance among soldiers.

In Context

Camaraderie is the friendly bond that often forms in groups, where mutual support, trust, and shared experiences create a sense of belonging.

In team-oriented settings, camaraderie promotes cooperation and morale, especially in demanding or high-stress situations.

Modern organizations and sports teams value camaraderie as a key element in creating a positive and productive environment.

Vocabulary Challenges

1. Which word is closest in meaning to “camaraderie”?

Hostility
Isolation
Fellowship
Antagonism

‘Fellowship’ is correct, as both words convey a sense of friendly bonding and mutual support.

2. Fill in the blank: The weekend retreat helped build a sense of ______ among the new team members.

camaraderie
isolation
hostility
distrust

‘Camaraderie’ fits here, as it describes the friendly, trusting connection that developed among the team members.

3. In which context would “camaraderie” be MOST appropriate?

Enemies in conflict
A solitary retreat
A competitive rivalry
Team members working together in harmony

‘Team members working together in harmony’ is appropriate, as camaraderie describes friendly cooperation and trust.