Coterie
/ˈkoʊtəri/
nounC2
Definition
A coterie is a small group of people who like the same things and often meet or spend time together. This group is usually private or exclusive, meaning not everyone can join. People in a coterie support each other and share common ideas or hobbies.
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See It in Action
A small, exclusive group of people with shared interests
- •The artist joined a coterie of painters who met every week.
- •She belongs to a coterie of writers who discuss their work privately.
- •The coterie of chess players always meets at the local cafe.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "coterie" like a small "group" (A1 word), but one that is very close and private, like a secret club
- ✓Picture a few friends sitting together in a quiet room, sharing special interests and keeping others out
- ✓It's the feeling of belonging to a small circle where you understand each other very well
- ✓Sounds like "COAT-ree" → imagine a group of people wearing the same coat to show they belong together
- ✓Think of famous artist groups or writers who met regularly to share ideas and support each other
- ✓NOT like "crowd" (many people, open), a coterie is small and exclusive
- ✓NOT like "team" (organized to work together openly), a coterie is more about friendship and shared interests
- ✓NOT like "club" (can be big and public), a coterie is usually smaller and more private
Try Other Words
- •Circle: a small group of friends or people with common interests (Use when emphasizing friendship and closeness)
- •Clique: a small, often exclusive group (Use when the group is more about social exclusion or popularity)
- •Set: a group of people with similar interests or social status (Use in informal or social contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix; whole word is borrowed)
- •Etymology: from French "coterie," meaning a small group or company
- •Historical development: entered English in the early 1600s, originally meaning a small group of people with shared interests or purposes
- •Modern usage: used mainly to describe small, private groups of friends or associates, often with a shared interest or activity
Reflect & Connect
•How might being part of a coterie affect the way people share ideas or feelings?
•Can a coterie be helpful or harmful? When does exclusivity become a problem?
Fill in the blanks
1.The writer joined a coterie ___ artists who met to discuss their work regularly.
2.A coterie is usually ___ and does not welcome everyone to join.
3.Unlike a large group or crowd, a coterie is ___ in size and often private.
4.People in a coterie often share the same ___ or hobbies.
5.Sometimes, a coterie can feel like a ___ circle where outsiders are not allowed.
6.The members of the coterie ___ their ideas before sharing them with others.
7.When someone is part of a coterie, they usually feel a strong sense of ___ with the group.