coterie
coterie
Pronunciation
/ˈkoʊ.tə.ri/
co-:
/ˈkoʊ/ - The "co" sound is a diphthong, starting with /oʊ/. The stress is on this first syllable.
-te-:
/tə/ - The "te" sound is a /t/ followed by a schwa /ə/.
-rie:
/ri/ - The "rie" sound is a /r/ followed by a short /i/ sound.
Word Form Variations
Singular:
coterie
Plural:
coteries
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1:
A small, intimate group of people who share a common interest, purpose, or social connection, often with an element of exclusivity.
Example: "The artist moved within a coterie of fellow painters and sculptors."
Definition 2:
A tightly knit circle of individuals who frequently associate with one another, sometimes implying a degree of cliquishness.
Example: "A coterie of political advisors surrounded the mayor."
Synonyms:
Clique
Circle
Group
Set
Inner circle
Band
Society
Antonyms:
Crowd
Masses
General public
Outsiders
solitary individual
open group
Examples of Use
In News and Online Publications:
"Those things are determined behind the scenes by Putin and a small coterie of elites." (Brian D. Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 2022) This highlights the idea of a closed group with significant influence.
"The speaker list reflects the growing coterie of the crypto world and tech writ large that has taken a hard-right turn." (Rob Wile, NBC News, 2024) Here, it describes a group within a larger field that shares a political leaning.
"His films are admired by a small coterie of critics." (Merriam-Webster) This example shows how the word is used to describe a small group of specialists.
"The war in Afghanistan, launched by a coterie around Brezhnev, turned into a quagmire." (David E. Hoffman, Washington Post, 2022) This shows how the word can be used in a historical context, to describe a group of people that influenced a political decision.
In General Public Discourse:
You might hear someone say, "The art scene in that city is dominated by a small coterie of gallery owners," indicating a closed and influential group.
In discussions about social dynamics, people might refer to a "coterie of friends" who are very close-knit and perhaps somewhat exclusive.
10 Famous Quotes Using Coterie
“Every coterie believes its perspective is the clearest until the world proves otherwise.”
“My mentor said choose your coterie wisely; they shape your rise or your ruin.”
“History is moved not only by nations but by a coterie of committed thinkers.”
“A poet wrote that love often begins within a quiet coterie of shared secrets.”
“Revolutions ignite when a coterie of the brave refuses to yield.”
“A leader should avoid a coterie of flatterers; truth rarely lives there.”
“Genius is often first recognized by a small coterie before the world catches on.”
“Hope grows stronger in a coterie that nurtures courage, not fear.”
“Success is rarely solitary; it forms within a coterie of discipline and vision.”
“Beware any coterie that demands loyalty at the cost of integrity.”
Etymology
The Short Story:
"Coterie" comes to us from French, specifically from the word "coterie." That French word has a bit of a murky past, but it's believed to have originated from the Old French word "cote," which meant "side" or "rib."
The Longer Explanation:
Old French "cote":
Imagine people gathering "on one side" or forming a "side group." That's the basic idea behind "cote." It implied a group of people who were close together, almost like they were standing "side by side."
French "coterie":
Over time, "cote" evolved into "coterie," which began to signify a small group of people who associated closely, often for social or shared interests.
English "coterie":
The word was borrowed into English, retaining its meaning of a small, exclusive group.
First Known Use and Meaning:
The word appeared in English in the early 18th century.
Its initial meaning was very similar to its current one: a small, intimate group of people with shared interests or associations.
In essence:
The word's journey reflects the idea of people forming small, close-knit groups, as if they were gathering "on one side" of a larger gathering. It moved from a simple word for "side" to a more complex word signifying a social circle.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Coterie
Instead of common idioms, here are ways the word is used, and similar concepts:
"Within a coterie":
This is a common way to use "coterie," as in "within a coterie of artists." It indicates being part of that inner circle.
"A coterie of [profession/interest]":
This construction is frequent, such as "a coterie of political advisors" or "a coterie of literary critics."
"Inner coterie":
This is a common way of emphasizing that the group is very close and insular.
Phrases using synonyms:
Since "coterie" is difficult to use in idioms, using synonyms can give us similar phrasing.
"To be part of the inner circle" (similar to being in a coterie)
"To run with a clique" (similar to a coterie with negative connotations)
"To have an exclusive set of friends"
"To be in a closed group"
Original Phrases:
"The coterie's influence held sway."
"He found himself excluded from the coterie's gatherings."
"The coterie's secrets remained closely guarded."
While "coterie" doesn't have a robust set of idioms, its usage in phrases like "within a coterie" and its ability to be paired with professions or interests effectively conveys its meaning.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of coterie from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
