Confreres

/ˌkɒnˈfreərz/ noun

Definition

Plural of confrere; multiple colleagues or professional associates bound by common purpose or respect.

Etymology

The plural form of the French 'confrère,' formed by the standard French plural '-es.' English borrowed this French form wholesale, using it alongside the Anglicized plural 'conferees.'

Kelly Says

In the 18th and 19th centuries, European scholars referred to each other as 'confreres' to emphasize they were equals in the grand Republic of Letters—a democratic ideal that would have shocked the feudal hierarchy they lived in.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Plural of confrere; compounds the historical male-professional association bias across multiple colleagues.

Inclusive Usage

Prefer 'colleagues' or 'professional peers' to avoid male-professional bias.

Inclusive Alternatives

["colleagues","professional peers","associates"]

Related Words

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