membership
/ˈmɛmbərʃɪp/
noun
Origin
Latin
membrum — a limb, member, or part of a body
Overview
Meaning Now
- The state or status of being a member of a group, organization, or society.
- The total number of members in a group.
Literal older meaning
the quality or condition of being a member
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
membre
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term originated from the Latin 'membrum', referring specifically to a limb or a component of the body. By analogy, it extended to describe an individual's role as a constituent part of a larger organization or community. The suffix '-ship' was added in Middle English to denote the status or the collective body of such individuals.
Evolution
- Latin
membrum
“limb, body part”
- Old French
membre
“a member of the body or a community”
- Middle English
membre
“part of a body or group”
- Middle English
membre + -schip
“the state of being a member”
Addition of the suffix -ship
- Modern English
membership
“the status or body of members”
Connections
Word parts
member
root
part or component
ship
suffix
state, condition, or office
Related across languages
French
membre
member
Spanish
miembro
member
Explore next
Related to membership
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.