coterie - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
coterie Word Meanings
- a small group of people with shared interests
- a clique or club
- an intimate circle of friends
coterie Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
coterie Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈkəʊtəri/
US
/ˈkoʊtəri/
coterie Word Etymology
co- = together + terie (from 'terea' meaning 'to hold'), origins from Old French to English; imagine a gathering where friends hold hands in a circle to share secrets and laughter.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
coterie refers to a small, close-knit group that shares tastes, hobbies, or social goals. Members know one another well, and discussions tend to stay within familiar topics rather than address broad audiences. The term carries a subtle exclusive nuance, implying boundaries, shared rituals, and insider jokes that help reinforce group identity. It signals warmth and trust beyond a generic circle or club, making it feel like a private world within a larger community. Writers, artists, and professionals sometimes describe their own coterie to emphasize intimacy and mutual support, while outsiders are aware of the gatekeeping vibe without being part of the inner circle.
Usage Reminders
- Use coterie to describe a private, intimate circle; avoid implying a formal club; pair with keywords like close, exclusive, or core. Use with verbs that emphasize belonging such as belongs to, gathers, or forms. Do not overstretch to large groups. Consider tone: warm and insider. Distinguish from clique with nuance: coterie is less pejorative. Common collocations: coterie of friends, literary coterie, artistic coterie.
Common Misconceptions
- It always means a clique in a negative sense.
- It describes any social circle, no matter how large.
- It can be used interchangeably with group or circle.
- Only literary or artistic groups use coterie.
- It denotes a formal organization or club.
Thinking Differences
In English, coterie often implies warmth and intimacy with a slight edge of exclusivity. Learners may over-apply it to any small group or confuse it with clique due to similar senses of tightness, leading to a negative or positive bias. Context and collocations matter: use with friends, writers, or artists to keep nuance clear.
Learning Tips
- Combine with adjectives like intimate, exclusive, or private to signal tone.
- Pair with verbs like belongs to, forms, or gathers to show action.
- Avoid using for large crowds; reserve for small circles.
- Contrast with clique to keep a non-pejorative tone.
- Use in formal writing sparingly to convey sophistication.
- Check collocations like coterie of friends, literary coterie, artistic coterie.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'coterie'?
A.A small exclusive group
B.A large organization
C.A group of friends
D.A public event
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'coterie' correctly?
A.She invited her entire school to the party, creating a coterie of guests.
B.The coterie of friends enjoyed a day at the beach.
C.He joined a coterie to discuss the latest scientific findings.
D.The coterie of birds flew in formation across the sky.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'coterie'?
A.Garrison
B.Congregation
C.Array
D.Ingress
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'coterie'?
A.Assemble
B.Kaleidoscope
C.Crowd
D.Separate
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context might you encounter a 'coterie'?
A.At a political rally
B.At an exclusive gala event
C.During a public speech
D.During a casual gathering with friends
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