Higher Education / University Glossary

Fraternity

What does the academic term Fraternity mean in higher education?

Fraternity

Fraternity definition

Short Definition

Fraternity is a social organization of male students at a college or university that typically focuses on community service and social activities.


In-depth Overview

Fraternity

Long definition: A fraternity is a social organization or club at a college or university, typically for male students, but some institutions also have sororities for female students. Fraternities often have Greek-letter names and focus on fostering brotherhood, leadership and community service among their members. Members of a fraternity, known as "brothers", participate in various social and philanthropic activities together.

Etymology: The word "fraternity" comes from the Latin "fraternitas", which means "brotherhood". The use of Greek letters for the names of fraternities is a tradition dating back to the late 18th century, when the first Greek-letter fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa, was founded in the United States.

Synonyms or related academic terms: Greek-letter fraternity, frat, social fraternity, brotherhood.

Examples of Use:

  • John joined a fraternity during his freshman year and formed lasting friendships with his fellow fraternity brothers.
  • The fraternity organized a charity event to raise funds for a local children's hospital.
  • Fraternity members often wear their Greek letters proudly on clothing and accessories.

Translations:
Spanish: Fraternidad
French: Fraternité
German: Studentenverbindung
Italian: Fraternità
Portuguese: Fraternidade
Japanese: 兄弟団体 (Kyōdai Dantai)
Chinese (Simplified): 兄弟会 (Xiōngdì Huì)
Hindi: भ्रातृत्व (Bhrātṛtva)

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Wikipedia Article

Fraternity


unirank Glossary Classification

Miscellaneous higher education terms > University associations, clubs and societies



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