fellowship
UK[ˈfeləʊʃɪp]US[ˈfeloʊʃɪp]
n
a group of people who share the same interests, beliefs, or profession, or the feeling of friendship between members of such a group.
n
the position or money given to a fellow at a college or university to support their study or research.
Morpheme Breakdown
fellow
ship
fellow
ship
Etymology
the word 'fellowship' is a native english compound, originating from the old english elements 'feolaga' and '-scipe'. 'feolaga' itself is a loan from old norse 'félagi', meaning a partner or one who lays down money (from 'fé', meaning cattle or property, and a root related to 'lay'). the suffix '-scipe' (modern '-ship') is a prolific germanic formative used to create abstract nouns indicating state, condition, or office. thus, the literal construction signifies "the state or condition of being a fellow or companion." over time, this concrete notion of partnership evolved to encompass both the abstract feeling of camaraderie within a group and the formal status or grant associated with academic or professional societies.
Analysis
Structure: fellow + ship
fellow (from old english 'feolaga', meaning a partner or comrade; functions as the core noun). ship (from old english '-scipe', a suffix forming nouns denoting state, condition, or quality; functions as a derivational suffix).
Examples
he enjoyed the sense of fellowship among the club members.
she was awarded a research fellowship to complete her phd.
their shared faith created a strong bond of fellowship.