followship: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Extremely RareFormal, Archaic, Literary
Quick answer
What does “followship” mean?
The act or state of following, or the group that follows.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or state of following, or the group that follows.
A somewhat archaic or formal term for discipleship, the condition or period of being a follower. It can refer to the collective body of followers or adherents of a leader, idea, or movement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage; the word is equally rare in both varieties. Some older British theological texts may use it slightly more.
Connotations
The rare use of 'followship' (vs. 'followership') may carry a slightly more archaic, spiritual, or formal tone.
Frequency
Virtually unused in contemporary speech or writing in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “followship” in a Sentence
[Noun] + of + [Leader/Doctrine]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Possibly in historical or theological papers discussing early Christian communities.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “followship”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “followship”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “followship”
- Using 'followship' when 'followership' is the standard modern term.
- Confusing it with 'fellowship', which implies companionship.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a historical, valid English word, but it is extremely rare and largely obsolete. The standard modern term is 'followership'.
'Followship' relates to the act of following a leader or doctrine. 'Fellowship' refers to friendly association, companionship, or a group of people sharing common interests.
Generally, no. Use 'followership' for modern contexts. 'Followship' might be used for deliberate archaic effect, in poetry, or in very specific historical/religious discussions.
As a non-count noun referring to a state or condition, it typically does not have a plural. If used to mean 'groups of followers', it could theoretically be pluralized as 'followships', but this is virtually unattested.
The act or state of following, or the group that follows.
Followship is usually formal, archaic, literary in register.
Followship: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɒləʊʃɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɑːloʊʃɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this rare form.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A SHIP full of FOLLOWERs sailing together.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOLLOWING IS A JOURNEY (embarking on a path of followship).
Practice
Quiz
'Followship' is best described as: