sorority
sorority
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "sorority" is /səˈrɔːrəti/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
so - /sə/ - A voiceless alveolar fricative followed by a mid-central vowel.
ror - /ˈrɔːr/ - A stressed long "o" sound (as in "law") with an "r" sound before and after.
i - /ə/ - A mid-central vowel.
ty - /ti/ - A voiceless alveolar stop followed by a high front vowel.
Word Form Variations
sorority (singular)
sororities (plural)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1: A social organization for female students at a college or university, typically distinguished by a secret name and ritual.
Synonyms: sisterhood, women's society, female fraternity
Antonyms: fraternity (for men), brotherhood, men's club
Definition 2: A group of women with shared interests, goals, or experiences, often forming a close-knit community. This definition extends beyond the academic context.
Synonyms: sisterhood, women's group, female association, fellowship
Antonyms: (Less direct antonyms, as this refers more to the general concept of a close group) rivalry, competition, isolation, detachment. It's important to note that having a sorority doesn't mean you can't have rivalries with other sororities. The antonyms here refer to the internal relationships within the group, not the groups relationship to others.
Examples of Use
Books:
"Legally Blonde" (novel and film): Elle Woods joins a sorority at Harvard Law School. (Amanda Brown)
Numerous young adult novels feature sororities as settings or plot points, often exploring themes of friendship, social dynamics, and coming-of-age. (Search for "young adult novels about sororities" for numerous examples)
Newspapers/Online Publications:
News articles about sorority recruitment, controversies related to Greek life, or philanthropic activities undertaken by sororities. (Search major news outlets like The New York Times, CNN, etc., for "sorority news")
Articles discussing the role of sororities in college life and their impact on students. (Look for articles in college newspapers or online student publications.)
"A sorority at [University Name] raised [amount] for [charity]." (This is a common news item about sorority philanthropy.)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"Greek" (TV series): A show centered on the lives of college students involved in fraternities and sororities.
"House Bunny" (film): A former Playboy Bunny becomes the house mother of a sorority.
Social media platforms: Sororities often have a presence on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, showcasing their activities and members. (Search for hashtags like #sororitylife, #greeklife, etc.)
General Public Discourse:
"I'm rushing a sorority this fall." (Common statement from a college student going through sorority recruitment.)
"My sister was in a sorority at [University Name], and she made lifelong friends." (Anecdotal example of the social benefits of sororities.)
"There's been a lot of controversy about hazing in fraternities and sororities." (Example of public discussion about negative aspects of Greek life.)
"Sororities can provide a strong support system for women in college." (Example of a statement about the positive aspects of sororities.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Sorority
“A woman is like a tea bag — you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water. That’s what sorority is about: standing together in the heat.” — Eleanor Roosevelt (with a sorority twist)
“Sororities symbolize the kind of community women can create when they choose unity over competition.” — Original
“Joining a sorority isn't about fitting in. It’s about finding the people who make you feel like you already belong.” — Original
“Sisterhood is powerful. Sorority is structured sisterhood — a bond with roots and rituals.” — Original
“Sorority life teaches you that support isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s the foundation of strength.” — Original
“There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” — Madeleine Albright (often quoted in the context of sorority and sisterhood)
“She remembered who she was and the game changed. That’s the kind of energy a real sorority fosters.” — Lalah Delia (combined with original emphasis)
“In a sorority, you don’t just gain sisters — you gain mirrors, teachers, and lifelines.” — Original
“Behind every strong woman is a tribe — call it a circle, a crew, a sorority.” — Original
“A sorority isn’t just for four years. It’s for life. Because real sisterhood doesn’t fade with time.” — Common sorority saying
Etymology
The word "sorority" comes from the Latin word "soror," which means "sister." Think of it like this: "soror" is the root, and "ity" is added to it. The "-ity" suffix often turns a word into a noun, indicating a state, quality, or condition. So, "sorority" essentially means "sisterhood" or "the state of being sisters."
While the concept of female social groups has existed for a long time, the specific word "sorority," as we use it today in the context of college life, emerged in the United States in the mid-19th century. It was first used in connection with women's groups at colleges, mirroring the already existing "fraternity" system for men. The first recognized sorority is generally considered to be Alpha Delta Pi, founded in 1851 at Wesleyan Female College in Macon, Georgia.
So, the word started with the simple idea of "sister" (soror), evolved to mean "sisterhood" (sorority), and then became specifically associated with female social organizations at colleges and universities. It retains that core meaning of a close-knit group of women who share a bond like sisters.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Sorority
It's tricky to find commonly used idioms and phrases that directly feature the word "sorority." This is because "sorority" is a relatively specific term, often used in formal or academic contexts. It doesn't lend itself as readily to the kind of figurative language that idioms and phrases usually employ. Think about it: we don't often say things like "it's raining sororities and cats" or "she's as busy as a sorority pledge week." The word itself doesn't have the broad, everyday usage that makes it suitable for idiomatic expressions.
However, we can explore some options, keeping in mind that these are less likely to be widely recognized idioms and more like phrases or specialized jargon:
Sorority rush/recruitment: This is common terminology within the context of college life, referring to the process of joining a sorority.
Sorority sister: A straightforward phrase referring to a fellow member of the same sorority.
Sorority house: The building where members of a sorority typically live or meet.
Sorority life: A general term encompassing the activities and experiences associated with being in a sorority.
"She's a sorority girl": This phrase, while not an idiom, is sometimes used (often with implicit stereotypes) to describe a woman perceived as fitting the typical image of a sorority member.
Since direct idioms with "sorority" are scarce, we can look at idioms and phrases related to the concept of sorority, namely sisterhood and close female friendships:
"Thick as thieves": Describes a very close and loyal friendship, similar to the bond within a sorority.
"Birds of a feather": Refers to people who are similar and often spend time together, which can apply to sorority members.
"Joined at the hip": Describes two people who are very close and inseparable, like close sorority sisters might be.
"A shoulder to cry on": Refers to someone who offers support and comfort, a role that sorority sisters often play for each other.
"Sister from another mother": A common expression for a close female friend who feels like family, capturing the spirit of sisterhood within a sorority.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of sorority from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
