What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fraternising
Example
The soldiers were warned against fraternizing with the enemy. [fraternizing: verb]
Example
He was accused of fraternizing with the competition and sharing confidential information. [fraternizing: gerund or present participle]
associating
Example
She enjoys associating with other artists at gallery openings. [associating: verb]
Example
The company is known for associating with charitable organizations and giving back to the community. [associating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Associating is more commonly used than fraternizing in everyday language. Associating is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fraternizing is less common and often has a negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fraternising and associating?
While fraternizing is typically associated with a negative or informal tone, associating is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.