Pronunciation: [fɹɐtˈɜːnɪti] (IPA) 
The word "fraternity" is spelled with an initial "fr" sound, followed by the vowel sound "æ" as in "cat", and then the consonant sound "t". The "ra" sound is pronounced as "ræ", and the following "t" is pronounced as "tɪ". Finally, the "n" sound is pronounced as "nɪ", and the "i" at the end is pronounced as "aɪ". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled as "frəˈtɜːnɪti".
Fraternity is a noun that refers to a social organization or group of people who share common interests, goals, or professions. It typically implies a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie among its members.
In the context of college campuses, a fraternity is an exclusive male social organization that usually exists within universities or colleges. Fraternities often have Greek letters as a name or part of their name, and their members are known as fraternity brothers. Fraternity life typically involves activities such as socializing, community service, and professional development, providing a support system and networking opportunities for its members.
Beyond college fraternities, the term can also refer to other types of organizations that promote similar ideals of brotherhood and unity. For example, professional fraternities exist for individuals pursuing specific career paths, such as law, medicine, or engineering. These organizations aim to foster professional growth, networking, and mentorship among their members.
In a broader sense, fraternity can also convey a more general meaning of solidarity and cooperation among people. It signifies a bond or a sense of kinship, extending beyond immediate family relationships. This concept of fraternity emphasizes qualities like compassion, mutual support, and harmony among individuals, regardless of their cultural or social backgrounds.
Overall, fraternity encompasses different types of groups or organizations that emphasize brotherhood, unity, shared interests, and support among its members, be it within the context of college campuses or in a broader societal sense.
A brotherhood; a society; men of the same class or profession.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "fraternity" originated from the Latin term "fraternitas", which is derived from the noun "frater" meaning 'brother'. The suffix "-itatem" denoting 'state, condition, or quality' was added to the root word "frater" to form "fraternitas", meaning 'brotherhood' or 'community of brothers.' This term was initially used in ancient Rome to refer to a social organization or association of people sharing a common bond, often related to kinship or religious purposes. Over time, the term "fraternitas" evolved and expanded its meaning to encompass the concept of brotherhood beyond blood ties and kinship, ultimately leading to the modern understanding of "fraternity" as a social organization or society typically associated with college or university campuses.
