What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cotery
Example
The literary cotery met every week to discuss their latest works. [cotery: noun]
Example
She was part of a political cotery that worked behind the scenes to influence policy decisions. [cotery: adjective]
clique
Example
The popular clique at school was known for being exclusive and snobbish. [clique: noun]
Example
He joined a clique of musicians who shared his passion for jazz. [clique: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clique is more commonly used than cotery in everyday language. Clique is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cotery is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cotery and clique?
Both cotery and clique are associated with informal language and are not typically used in formal contexts.
