Cohort
(Noun) | Pronunciation: /ˈkoʊ hɔːrt/
Definition & Meaning
The word “cohort” refers to a group of individuals with a shared characteristic, typically studied or analyzed together over time. It can also mean a companion or partner in a task or activity.
- As a noun – A group of people with a common feature, often used in academic, medical, or social contexts. It can also refer to a companion or colleague in a shared activity.
💡 Did You Know? The word cohort has been used since Ancient Rome to describe a group of soldiers, and it has since evolved to represent any group of people sharing common characteristics or experiences.
Word Origin & History
- Etymology: Derived from the Latin word “cohors,” meaning “enclosure” or “yard,” which originally referred to a unit of soldiers in the Roman army. Over time, it came to mean a group of people with shared attributes.
- Historical Usage: Initially used in military contexts, cohort expanded in the 20th century to refer to any group studied in a social, medical, or academic setting.
- Cultural Influence: Today, cohort is commonly used in research to describe a group of people with similar characteristics or experiences who are studied over time.
📖 Example: The research team studied a cohort of patients who all received the same treatment.
Synonyms & Antonyms
🔹 Synonyms (words with similar meanings)
- Group
- Team
- Collective
- Set
🔻 Antonyms (opposite meanings)
- Individual
- Outsider
- Stranger
- Lone
💡 Word Tip: Cohort often refers to groups of people studied together, but it can also simply mean a companion or associate in a specific task.
Example Sentences
✅ The study followed a cohort of students for five years.
✅ She joined a cohort of volunteers to help with the project.
✅ He is a valuable member of our cohort in the research study.
📌 Challenge: Can you use “cohort” in a sentence? Share it in the comments!
Related Words & Phrases
These words are commonly associated with “cohort”:
- Group
- Team
- Peer
- Collective
Example: The group of researchers formed a cohort to track the long-term effects of the drug.
Usage Trends & Popularity
🧐 Trending Now: The use of cohort has become more prominent in medical and educational research, where groups of individuals are tracked over time for studies.
📢 Discuss: How do you think the concept of a cohort can be applied in today’s workplace or educational settings?
Fun Activities & Challenges
🔠 Word Puzzle: Unscramble this word → C O H R T O
🧠 Quick Quiz:
💭 Which of these is a synonym for “cohort”?
A) Lone
B) Group ✅
C) Outsider
✍ Word Story Challenge: Write a short paragraph using “cohort” creatively!
User Contributions & Comments
💬 Share Your Thoughts: Have you ever been part of a research cohort? What was the experience like?
📢 Join the discussion below!
Advanced Learning & Fun Facts
Idioms & Phrases
- “In the same cohort” – Referring to people who share similar experiences or characteristics.
- “Peer cohort” – A group of people who are considered equals in some way, such as age or career level.
Sociological Use
In sociology, cohorts are often studied to understand the effects of shared experiences, such as age, education, or social circumstances, on a group of individuals.
Famous Quotes
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
— Helen Keller
💡 Did You Know? In medical research, cohort studies track a group of individuals over time to observe long-term health effects or disease trends.