Cohort - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

A cohort is a group of people sharing a common characteristic, usually age. It's more specific than just a random group; members of a cohort experience similar events during the same period. Think of it like a graduating class—they all went through high school together. Cohorts are studied in social science to understand how shared experiences shape attitudes and behaviors. For example, the 'millennial' cohort experienced the rise of the internet. It's a useful way to analyze trends and understand generational differences.

Etymology

The word 'cohort' originally comes from ancient Rome, referring to a military unit comprising about 300-600 soldiers. It's derived from the Latin 'cohors,' meaning 'enclosure' or 'group.' Over time, the term evolved from a military context to describe any group of people with shared characteristics, particularly those born around the same time. Its usage shifted from a strictly military term to a more general social science concept.

Related Words

Examples

• "The graduating cohort of 2023 faced unique challenges due to the pandemic."
• "Researchers are studying the long-term effects of social media on this cohort."
• "The baby boomer cohort had a significant impact on the economy."
• "Our study focused on a cohort of students entering college in 2020."

Encouragement

Use 'cohort' to describe groups of people who share significant experiences. It adds precision and depth to your descriptions! 👍

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