fellows - Master This Word
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fellows Word Meanings
- a person who shares a common interest or activity
- a companion or associate
- a member of a group with particular status
fellows Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
fellows Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈfɛl.əʊ/
US
/ˈfɛloʊ/
fellows Word Etymology
Fellow comes from 'fellow' = companion, derivation from 'feol', meaning 'many', connecting to the idea of camaraderie. Imagine friends gathered around a campfire, sharing stories and laughter, as companions sharing their lives.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I shift my chair a touch and catch sight of a fellow who laughs at the same joke. We move a little closer, elbows almost touch, and we exchange a quick nod over the hobby we both love. I push through the slight awkwardness, adjust my voice, and keep pace with him, feeling a small spark of belonging. In that moment, fellow stops being just a label and becomes a person I can count on in the next meetup.
Real Context
Fellow is a noun with several closely related senses. It can describe a person who shares a common interest or activity, such as a fellow climber or a fellow student. It can mean a companion or associate, especially in informal, friendly contexts, as in 'my fellow travelers.' It also refers to a member of a group who has a particular status, such as a distinguished fellow of a university or society. In everyday speech, fellow often implies solidarity or equality among peers, and it is commonly used in compounds like fellow worker or fellow citizen. Learners should watch for formal vs informal tone and avoid confusing fellow with friend or colleague.
Usage Reminders
- Fellow is not a direct synonym for friend in all contexts.
- Pay attention to formality; fellow often signals peers or members of a group.
- It can mean a person who shares an activity or interest (fellow climber) or a group member with status (fellow of the university).
- In informal speech, 'fellow' can sound old-fashioned or humorous (fellow travelers).
- Do not substitute 'fellow' with 'colleague' in contexts that involve non-work groups.
Common Misconceptions
- It always means 'friend'.
- It only refers to colleagues at work.
- It implies male gender by default.
- It cannot be used in informal speech.
- It always indicates a close relationship.
Thinking Differences
Fellow marks peers who share interests or status; English uses it across formal and informal contexts, from fellow citizens to fellow travelers. Learners often replace it with friend or colleague without adjusting tone or sense of belonging.
Learning Tips
- Learn the three core senses: shared interest, companionship, and membership.
- Note the formal uses like 'fellow of the academy'.
- Differentiate from friend and colleague by context.
- Watch collocations: fellow students, fellow citizens, fellow travelers.
- Practice both singular and plural forms (a fellow, fellow travelers).
- Listen for tone cues to gauge formality.
Related Listening
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