corps
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
A large military unit, typically consisting of two or more divisions; also used for a group of people organized for a specific purpose.
Used for any organized body of people with a shared function, activity, or profession, often with a collective identity.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Singular in form but often plural in meaning. Plural is spelled 'corps' but pronounced differently. Strongly associated with military and institutional contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and core meaning are identical. Usage is marginally more common in American English in institutional names (e.g., Peace Corps).
Connotations
In both varieties, connotes formality, organization, and collective discipline.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, slightly higher in AmE due to specific institutional names.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the [adjective] corpscorps of [noun]serve in a/the corpsbe a member of the corpsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “esprit de corps (a feeling of pride and loyalty among members of a group)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; occasionally used metaphorically for a dedicated team (e.g., 'a corps of elite salespeople').
Academic
Used in historical, political, and military studies contexts.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech. Recognized from news (e.g., 'the diplomatic corps') and institutions (e.g., 'Marine Corps').
Technical
Standard in military terminology and organizational names of large professional groups.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My cousin serves in the army corps.
- The medical corps helped many people.
- The visiting press corps assembled outside the official residence.
- He was commissioned as an officer in the Royal Corps of Engineers.
- A strong esprit de corps is essential for the effectiveness of any elite military unit.
- The diplomatic corps was briefed on the evolving political situation in the capital.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CORE group of people (the 'core' sound of the word) working together in a disciplined CORPS.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN ORGANIZATION IS A BODY (corps derives from Latin 'corpus' for body).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'corpse' (труп).
- Do not translate as 'корпус' for all contexts; 'corps' is more specific.
- The silent 'ps' and 's' ending can lead to mispronunciation.
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing the 'ps' at the end (incorrect: /kɔːrps/).
- Using 'corpse' (a dead body) by mistake in writing.
- Treating it as a plural noun (e.g., 'The corps are...' can be correct for collective sense, but the singular form is 'corps').
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct pronunciation of 'corps' (as in Marine Corps) in American English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It comes from French, where the final consonants in 'corps' (body) became silent. The English pronunciation retains the French convention.
The plural is also spelled 'corps' but is pronounced /kɔːrz/ (like 'cores'). The context clarifies the number (e.g., 'Three army corps were deployed').
'Corps' is an organized group. 'Core' is the central or most important part. 'Corpse' is a dead body. They are distinct words with different meanings and pronunciations.
Yes, commonly for organized professional bodies like the diplomatic corps, press corps, or a corps of volunteers, implying a structured, collective identity.