Fellowmen

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A group of individuals sharing common interests or characteristics, often referring to members of the same community
2. People who are considered equals or peers within a social context, emphasizing camaraderie and mutual respect
3. Individuals of the same kind or rank, highlighting shared humanity and collective identity among peers

Etymology: "Fellowmen" is the plural of "fellowman," a compound formed from "fellow" and "man." The first element, "fellow," comes from Old Norse "félagi," a partner in a shared enterprise or shared property, and it reached English as a word for a companion or comrade. The second element, "man," is the ordinary word for a human being. Put together, the compound means a person who belongs to the same human company as oneself. Because "fellowman" is a regular compound, the plural simply adds "-men" to the final element, following the pattern of "man" becoming "men." The word is a plain combination rather than a coinage with a known inventor, so its history lies in the parts it is built from.

Synonyms: peers, companions

Antonyms: strangers