What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fraternity
Example
He joined the fraternity during his freshman year in college. [fraternity: noun]
Example
The fraternity of firefighters worked together to put out the fire. [fraternity: collective noun]
guild
Example
The carpenters' guild was established in the 16th century. [guild: noun]
Example
The guild of writers held a meeting to discuss their upcoming projects. [guild: collective noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Guild is more commonly used than fraternity in everyday language. Guild is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fraternity is less common and refers specifically to a male social organization in college or university.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between fraternity and guild?
Guild is typically associated with a more formal tone, while fraternity is more casual and informal in nature.