Make Your Point > Archived Issues > CAMARADERIE

Send Make Your Point issues straight to your inbox.

"CAMARADERIE" Meaning: Your comrades are your roommates or close friends, the people you get along with really well. Now take the French spelling of "comrade" and turn it into a noun for the idea of being comrades: Camaraderie is a spirit of loyal, fun, easy friendship in a group of people. Pronunciation: kom uh ROD uh ree Part of speech: Uncountable noun. (Like “milk,” “rice,” and “education,” uncountable nouns are words for stuff that can’t be broken into exact units. You talk about “some milk,” “the rice,” and “a lot of education,” but you don’t say “a milk,” “three rices,” or “many educations.” Likewise, talk about “the camaraderie,” “such camaraderie,” “a lot of camaraderie,” “no camaraderie,” and so on, but don’t say “camaraderies.”) Other forms: none How to use it: When you talk about the camaraderie of a group of people, you mean that they know each other well, they get along together easily, and they have fun together in an effortless way. So, talk about the camaraderie between or among people, the camaraderie of a group or place, an environment that offers or promotes camaraderie, going to a particular place for the camaraderie, being or feeling drawn to a place or group by its camaraderie, and so on. Even if I could go back and visit the site of my childhood summer camp, I couldn't really recreate the feeling of really being there. It was all about the camaraderie, being swept up in some caper with a dozen other hyper girls, not just the smell of the trees and so on. How is it that some people never bring home funny stories about what happened at work that day? I guess work is just work if there's no camaraderie among the staff. Look away from the screen to explain the definition in your own words. You’ll know you understand what "camaraderie" means when you can explain it without saying "comradeship" or "brotherhood." Think of a group of people you get along with really well, either now or in the past, and fill in the blanks: "I really (value/enjoy/miss) the camaraderie (in/of/at/between/among) _____." Example: "I really miss the camaraderie among the other teachers at a learning center where I used to work." Spend at least 20 seconds occupying your mind with the game and quote below. Then try the review questions. Don’t go straight to the review now—let your working memory empty out first. Playing With Words: This month, we're sampling questions from Orijinz, an awesome series of games about the origins of words, phrases, and quotes. Click here if you want to check them out. They're compact--perfect for stockings. Just saying. :) Try a question here each day this month, and see the right answer the next day. Have fun! Yesterday's question: "Guess the phrase! Origin: From the late 16th century, this phrase refers to being close enough to an archery target to ensure hitting the white center, or bull’s-eye. Definition: To fire at close range. Also to be direct and blunt." Answer: "The phrase is: Point-blank. Tidbit: Blanc is French for ‘white.’” Today's question: "Guess the word! Origin: Latin for 'I forbid.' First used by Roman Tribunes to counter legislation of the Roman Senate. Definition: To reject a law passed by another branch of government." A Point Well Made: Marie Curie: “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” 1. The opposite of CAMARADERIE is A. HARD-HEADEDNESS B. ENCUMBRANCE C. BAD BLOOD 2. We were _____ to see how quickly the camaraderie had sprung up among the kids from all different schools. A. pleased B. concerned C. dismayed Answers are below. To be a sponsor and send your own message to readers of this list, please contact Liesl at Liesl@HiloTutor.com. Make Your Point is crafted with love and brought to you each day for free by Mrs. Liesl Johnson, M.Ed., a word lover, learning enthusiast, and private tutor of reading and writing in the verdant little town of Hilo, Hawaii. For writing tips, online learning, essay guidance, and more, please visit www.HiloTutor.com. Disclaimer: Word meanings presented here are expressed in plain language and are limited to common, useful applications only. Readers interested in authoritative and multiple definitions of words are encouraged to check a dictionary. Likewise, word meanings, usage, and pronunciations are limited to American English; these elements may vary across world Englishes. Answers to review questions: 1. C 2. A Exploring the archives: Seeing today's word, "camaraderie," you might observe how French has given us a beautiful vocabulary for talking about relationships and social groups--which also includes "beau monde" and "rapprochement."