Camaraderie vs comradery? They are spelled differently but mean the same thing—or do they? We’re going to explore the origin of the different spellings to learn how they came to be, determine which one is the correct spelling, and have a bit of linguistic fun along the way.
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What Is Camaraderie?
Camaraderie (pronounced “kahm-rah-duh-ree”) is a noun that signifies a supportive and friendly relationship among comrades, whether people who share activities or members of an organization. This term is from the French word “camarade.” When you translate the French camarade, it means companion or roommate.
Fun fact: “Camarade” is from the Latin word “camera,” which means “chamber.”
Examples of Camaraderie
- Musicians who play together develop a sense of camaraderie that helps them play together as a group.
- Volunteers working together toward a common cause and achieving their goals are another example of group camaraderie.
- Online communities, whether focused on movies, TV shows, or games, develop a sense of camaraderie through shared interests.
- Those in parenting groups develop camaraderie as they are with those who are going through the same challenges or have gone through the same challenges.
What Is Comradery?
Believe it or not, comradery (pronounced “kom-rad-ree”) holds the exact definition of “camaraderie.” In fact, it is just an alternative spelling. Comradery comes from the root word “comrade,” to which people added -ry suffix to form “comradery” in the late 19th century.
Examples of Comradery
- Athletes on a team develop comradery as they work towards a shared goal
- People in a book club develop comradery through shared interests
- People in a hobby group discussing shared interests often develop a sense of comradery.
- Doctors and nurses working together for long hours under pressure develop comradery and bond together.
What’s the Difference Between Comradery and Camaraderie?
Technically, there’s no difference between comradery and camaraderie except for the spelling. And, as you might have guessed, both spellings are accepted.
In fact, major dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and other online sources actually recognize “comradery” as an acceptable alternative while also noting that “camaraderie” is the more common word. However, when it comes to formal writing and publications, authors are far more likely to use the word “camaraderie.”
Should You Use Camaraderie or Comradery?
Both “camaraderie’ and ‘comradery’ describe a special sense of connection and friendly spirit within a group, but have you ever wondered which spelling variation to use and when?
When to Use Comradery
If you’re in the United States, the spelling “comradery” is far more common. Henceforth, it would be more acceptable to use “comradery,” whether in formal or informal settings.
This spelling (comradery) is a North American variant that’s not seen much outside of the United States.
When to Use Camaraderie
But what if you are outside the United States or writing for an audience other than Americans, such as Brits and Australians? In this case, you should use “camaraderie.” Again, it has the same meaning as “comradery.” It is just a matter of spelling preference.
The list of countries that use this spelling of the word includes:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales)
- Romania
- Anguilla – UK Overseas Territory
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Falkland Islands
- Pitcairn Islands
Final Thoughts
So, comradery vs. camaraderie? Both have the same definition and share the same origin. It’s just a matter of choosing the right spelling to fit the audience you are writing for.
As a recap of the definition, comradery or camaraderie is a noun that refers to mutual trust and friendship among a group of people. In short, it can be a fellowship, companionship, or brotherhood of friends, colleagues, and coworkers who share a common goal or a strong bond.
