1. Cohort (noun): A group of people with a shared characteristic or experience, often used in social, academic, or statistical contexts.
2. Cohort (noun, historical): In ancient Rome, a military unit consisting of a subdivision of a legion.
3. Cohort (noun, informal): A companion, colleague, or associate.
The word "cohort" is a versatile term with historical, statistical, and colloquial applications. From its origins in Roman military structure to its modern-day usage in research and social contexts, "cohort" serves as a powerful way to describe groups bound by shared experiences or goals. Read on to explore its meanings, usage, and broader applications.
The term "cohort" encompasses several definitions, reflecting its evolution from ancient to contemporary contexts. Below, these meanings are outlined in detail.
In modern usage, "cohort" often refers to a group of individuals sharing a common characteristic, such as a demographic, an experience, or a time period. This is a key term in fields like sociology, education, and epidemiology.
Historically, a "cohort" was a subdivision of a Roman legion consisting of approximately 300 to 600 soldiers. It played a crucial role in the organization of Roman military strategy.
In a more informal sense, "cohort" can also describe a companion, colleague, or ally, emphasizing camaraderie or partnership.
"Cohort" functions exclusively as a noun and is typically used to describe a group or an individual within a group. As a singular noun, it may denote a specific group (e.g., "The 2023 graduating cohort"). In plural form, "cohorts" can refer to multiple groups or allies (e.g., "Several cohorts worked on the project").
The pronunciation of "cohort" is straightforward, featuring two syllables with the primary stress on the first syllable.
Begin with the "co" sound, pronounced like the "co" in "cold." Follow this with the "hort" sound, which rhymes with "fort." Speak it clearly for precise articulation.
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈkoʊ.hɔːrt/
Expanding your vocabulary with synonyms for "cohort" can enhance communication in different contexts.
Antonyms of "cohort" emphasize individuality or a lack of association with a group.
Using "cohort" in various contexts can illustrate its flexibility and range of meanings.
The word "cohort" is frequently used in academic, professional, and historical contexts. Its popularity has increased in fields such as education, public health, and sociology, where it describes groups for research or study. While "cohort" is less common in casual conversation, it remains a staple in technical and specialized discussions.
"Cohort" has few direct variants but can appear in specialized forms:
Exploring related terms helps contextualize "cohort" within broader frameworks.
The word "cohort" originates from the Latin term cohors, which referred to an enclosure or courtyard and later to a Roman military unit. By the Middle Ages, it expanded to describe groups or companies of people. Over time, "cohort" evolved to signify military units and broader groups or companions. Today, it is widely used in academic and professional contexts to describe collective groups bound by shared characteristics or experiences.
Several derivatives and compounds expand the application of "cohort":
Misspellings of "cohort" are rare but may occur in casual writing:
Idioms that convey group dynamics or companionship align well with "cohort":
1. What does "cohort" mean in research?
In research, a "cohort" refers to a group of people with shared characteristics, often studied over a period of time.
2. What is the historical meaning of "cohort"?
Historically, "cohort" referred to a Roman military unit, typically consisting of 300 to 600 soldiers.
3. Can "cohort" refer to a single person?
Yes, in informal usage, "cohort" can refer to a single companion or associate.
4. How is "cohort" used in education?
In education, "cohort" describes a group of students who progress through a program or curriculum together.
5. Is "cohort" a formal word?
Yes, "cohort" is commonly used in formal academic and professional contexts.
6. What is a "cohort study" in public health?
A "cohort study" is a research method that follows a specific group over time to study outcomes or trends.
7. Are there plural forms of "cohort"?
Yes, the plural form is "cohorts," used when referring to multiple groups or allies.
8. Can "cohort" mean colleague?
Yes, in informal speech, "cohort" can refer to a colleague or partner.
9. How does "cohort" relate to demographics?
In demographics, a "cohort" represents a group of people defined by shared attributes such as age or location.
10. Is "cohort" a commonly used word?
Yes, "cohort" is frequently used in academic, professional, and historical contexts.
The word "cohort" is a versatile and meaningful term describing groups of people or entities with shared characteristics or goals. From its historical roots in Roman military organization to its modern applications in research and education, "cohort" captures the essence of collective experience. Embrace its usage to enhance your understanding of group dynamics and explore richer vocabulary on the site.
