What is fellow? Pronunciation and usage in English

fellow means . Learn how to pronounce and use fellow through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of fellow

fellownoun

/ˈfɛləʊ/
Definition & pronunciation of fellow

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "fellow." It's a tricky one because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound (The "ew" sound):

  • The word is really centered around a sound like the "ew" in "few" or "new." It's a diphthong – meaning it's a combination of two vowel sounds blending together.

2. The Breakdown:

  • "fel": This part is pronounced like "fell" – as in, the past tense of "fall." Think of the "ee" sound in "see."
  • "low": This part is pronounced like "low" – a short, unstressed "oh" sound.

3. Putting it Together:

  • It's crucially important to blend those two sounds smoothly. You don't pronounce "fel" and "low" completely separately. They meld together into that "fel-low" sound. It's like one continuous syllable.

4. IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) - for Precision:

  • /ˈfeləʊ/ (This is the closest IPA transcription)
    • ˈfel: This marks the stressed syllable.
    • əʊ: Represents the "ew" diphthong.

Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't overemphasize the "lo": The "low" sound is unstressed, so it’s soft and quick. Avoid pronouncing it as a strong, distinct "low."
  • Listen to examples: This is really important! The best way to get it right is to hear native speakers.
    • Google it: Search “how to pronounce ‘fellow’” on Google and listen to the audio.
    • Forvo: (forvo.com) is an excellent resource where native speakers pronounce words. Search for "fellow" there.
    • YouTube: Search for videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Resources for Hearing it:

Would you like me to:

  • Provide more examples of words with similar vowel sounds?
  • Focus on a particular aspect of the pronunciation (e.g., the blending of sounds)?

Usage and examples with the word fellow in English

The word "fellow" is a wonderfully versatile word in English, with multiple meanings and ways to use it. Let's break it down:

1. As a Formal Title (Often Used in Academic and Professional Contexts):

  • Meaning: This is the most formal and traditional use. It’s a title equivalent to “Mr.” or “Ms.” but used for men or, less commonly, for women.
  • Usage: You'll often find it before a name: "Dr. Fellow Johnson," "Professor Fellow Davis." It suggests a certain level of achievement or position.
  • Note: It’s becoming less common in everyday speech, and in more casual settings, “Mr.” or “Ms.” are usually preferred.

2. As a Synonym for “Colleague” or “Mate” (Informal):

  • Meaning: A friendly term for another person you share an activity or profession with. It implies camaraderie and mutual respect.
  • Usage: "Let’s grab a coffee with our fellow teachers." or "I worked alongside a really great fellow on that project." It’s often used when talking about people you work with.
  • Tone: This usage is more casual and friendly.

3. As a Pronoun (“He” or “Him”):

  • Meaning: Used to refer to a male person, particularly when referring to a Christian or someone you’re acquainted with.
  • Usage: "My fellow Christians, let us pray." or “I spoke to my fellow traveler on the train.” It can feel slightly archaic in modern English, but it’s still used, especially in religious contexts.

4. As Part of Idiomatic Expressions:

  • "Fellow traveler": Someone who shares your opinions or goals – often used in political or ideological contexts. “He has been a fellow traveler in the fight for social justice.”
  • “A fellow” (informal): A shortened, slightly slangy way of saying “person” or “guy.” "That's a funny fellow!" (meaning, “That’s a funny person!”)

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Usage Meaning Example Tone
Formal Title Mr./Ms. equivalent Dr. Fellow Smith Formal
Colleague/Mate Friend/Colleague “Let’s talk to our fellow engineers.” Informal
Pronoun (He/Him) He/Him "My fellow listeners…" Slightly Archaic
Idiomatic Expression Person/Guy “A good fellow.” Casual

Tips for Choosing the Right Usage:

  • Context is key! The meaning of “fellow” depends entirely on how it’s used in the sentence.
  • Consider your audience. Using "fellow" as a title in a casual conversation might seem overly formal.
  • Be mindful of tone. "Fellow" can range from formal to quite informal.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a formal letter, a casual conversation, a piece of creative writing?)

Synonyms for the word fellow

Practice with vocabulary fellow

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After years of dedicated research, she was finally granted a prestigious research __________ at the institute.
  2. It's crucial for global stability to foster understanding among __________ human beings, regardless of their cultural background.
  3. During the recent international summit, delegates had the opportunity to network with several industry __________ from various sectors.
  4. Every __________ involved in the project must adhere strictly to the confidentiality agreement.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. In an academic institution, which of the following words can describe a senior member who holds a distinguished research or teaching position? A) Student B) Fellow C) Intern D) Apprentice

  2. Which words can refer to someone who shares a common nationality, goal, or experience with you? A) Associate B) Comrade C) Ally D) Fellow citizen

  3. Which of the following terms might be used in a somewhat informal or old-fashioned way to refer to a man? A) Sir B) Gent C) Chap D) Fellow

  4. Which word best describes a professional peer with whom you regularly collaborate on projects within the same department? A) Subordinate B) Colleague C) Rival D) Opponent

  5. When referring to a person who is an expert in a particular field, especially one who has undertaken extensive study or research, which of these terms is most appropriate? A) Novice B) Layman C) Scholar D) Apprentice

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is important to show empathy towards others who are facing similar challenges. (Rewrite using "fellow")
  2. The man who was recognized for his outstanding contribution to science was a brilliant mind. (Rewrite using a suitable alternative to "man" without using "fellow")
  3. She completed her postgraduate studies with a generous grant from the university, allowing her to work on a specific research project. (Rewrite to incorporate "fellowship" or "fellow" as a position)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. fellow
  2. fellow
  3. associates / colleagues
  4. individual / person

Exercise 2:

  1. B) Fellow
  2. D) Fellow citizen (B and C can also be correct in some contexts, but D is the most direct fit with "fellow")
  3. C) Chap, D) Fellow
  4. B) Colleague
  5. C) Scholar

Exercise 3:

  1. It is important to show empathy towards your fellow human beings/fellow sufferers/fellow travelers who are facing similar challenges.
  2. The individual/person who was recognized for his outstanding contribution to science was a brilliant mind.
  3. She completed her postgraduate studies as a research fellow, thanks to a generous grant from the university. OR She completed her postgraduate studies with a generous research fellowship from the university, allowing her to work on a specific project.

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