Meaning of the Word
Peers refers to individuals who are of the same age, status, or ability as another person, typically within a specific group or context. It can also refer to colleagues or people sharing a similar position in society or a profession.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- People who belong to the same group or class, such as those of similar age, social standing, or profession.
- Colleagues or individuals of equal rank or status in a particular field.
- In the context of social interactions, peers are often seen as those with whom one shares common interests, values, or experiences.
History and Origin
The word peer comes from the Old French term per, meaning “equal” or “match,” which itself comes from the Latin par meaning “equal.” The term has been used in English since the 13th century, initially to refer to someone of the same rank or station in life. Over time, it has expanded to refer to individuals of equal status in various social, educational, or professional contexts.
Detailed Explanation
Peers are often regarded as individuals who are comparable to each other in some significant way, whether it be through age, experience, education, or position. In a school or university setting, peers are other students, typically those in the same grade or with similar academic goals. In the workplace, peers are coworkers or colleagues who hold similar roles or responsibilities within an organization.
The idea of peers plays an important role in social dynamics, especially in terms of influence, support, and comparison. People often seek validation or support from their peers, and peer pressure can influence behavior. The term is also important in professional contexts, where peers can provide collaboration, feedback, and networking opportunities.
Example Sentences
- She preferred to study with her peers, as they shared similar academic interests.
- The company holds annual meetings where employees can collaborate and share ideas with their peers.
- Peer influence is a strong factor in the decisions of teenagers.
- As a manager, he values the feedback from his peers in other departments.
- He felt a sense of accomplishment when his work was recognized by his peers.
- The peers in the research group contributed equally to the groundbreaking discovery.
- She didn’t like being compared to her peers because she felt her achievements were unique.
- The mentor provided guidance to his peers in the field, sharing insights and strategies.
- At the conference, professionals were able to meet and exchange ideas with their peers from other organizations.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Colleagues – People who work together, typically in the same field or profession.
- Contemporaries – People who live or exist during the same time period or era.
- Equals – Individuals who have the same status, rank, or ability as another.
- Fellow – A term for someone who shares a particular activity or condition with you, like a fellow student or fellow professional.
- Co-workers – People who work together in the same organization or workplace.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Community – A group of people with common interests or living in the same area, often with peers within it.
- Circle – A group of people who share a particular social or professional interest, often consisting of peers.
- Social group – A collection of people who interact based on shared norms or interests, potentially consisting of peers.
- Networking – Building relationships with peers or colleagues for professional or social purposes.
- Collaboration – Working jointly with others, especially peers, on a task or project.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Cohort – A group of people banded together or treated as a group, often in a research or academic context, similar to peers.
- Classmates – Fellow students who are in the same class or grade, forming a peer group.
- Team members – Individuals who work together in a group, often of equal status within the team, similar to peers.
- Acquaintances – People who one knows casually, often of similar social standing but not necessarily close peers.
- Comrades – Companions or associates, often in a professional or social context, who share similar goals or status.
Antonyms
- Subordinates – People who hold lower positions or have less authority than others, unlike peers.
- Superiors – Individuals in higher positions or with greater authority, in contrast to peers.
- Inferiors – People considered lower in rank, status, or ability, the opposite of being equal to one’s peers.
- Followers – Individuals who follow the lead of someone else, without being on the same level as peers.
- Underlings – Employees or individuals who hold lower positions within an organization, contrasting with peers.
