religious society of friends: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical, Religious
Quick answer
What does “religious society of friends” mean?
A Christian religious denomination founded in 17th-century England, known for its commitment to pacifism, social justice, and worship based on silent waiting for divine guidance.
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Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Christian religious denomination founded in 17th-century England, known for its commitment to pacifism, social justice, and worship based on silent waiting for divine guidance.
Refers to the collective body and institutional structure of the Quaker movement, encompassing its global meetings, organizational bodies, and historical tradition. The term emphasizes the communal and covenantal aspect of Quaker faith.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both variants. The associated common noun 'Quaker' is slightly more prevalent in general American English, while the full formal title may be seen more often in British historical documents.
Connotations
Connotes formality, historical depth, and the institutional aspect of the faith. It distinguishes the organized body from the informal label 'Quakers'.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech; common in written texts about religion, history, or law.
Grammar
How to Use “religious society of friends” in a Sentence
[Institution] is affiliated with the Religious Society of Friends.[Person] is a recorded member of the Religious Society of Friends.The tenets of the Religious Society of Friends emphasise...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “religious society of friends” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The community was originally gathered by those who would later form the Religious Society of Friends.
American English
- Several meetings in Ohio decided to affiliate with the Religious Society of Friends.
adverb
British English
- The group acted Religious Society of Friends-ly, prioritising consensus. (Highly contrived; adverbial use is extremely rare and awkward.)
American English
- The charity is run Religious Society of Friends-style, with no appointed director. (Highly contrived; adverbial use is extremely rare and awkward.)
adjective
British English
- The Religious Society of Friends burial ground is located just beyond the village.
American English
- She follows the Religious Society of Friends discipline regarding plain speech.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, theological, and sociological studies. E.g., 'The schism of 1827-28 divided the Religious Society of Friends in America.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation; 'Quakers' is preferred.
Technical
Used in legal documents, official denominational publications, and ecumenical dialogue between religious institutions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “religious society of friends”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “religious society of friends”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “religious society of friends”
- Using 'Religious Society of Friends' in informal speech where 'Quakers' is appropriate.
- Omitting 'Religious' (though 'Society of Friends' is sometimes used, the full title is more precise).
- Capitalising 'of' in the middle (incorrect: 'Society Of Friends').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they refer to the same group. 'Religious Society of Friends' is the formal, official name, while 'Quakers' is the common, often informal name for its members.
The term originates from John 15:14, 'Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.' Early members referred to themselves as 'Friends of the Truth' or simply 'Friends', emphasising a personal relationship with God and each other.
It is used in official, legal, and formal written contexts. In everyday speech and much writing, 'Quakers' or 'the Society of Friends' (without 'Religious') is more common. Some smaller branches may use 'Friends Church'.
There is little difference in the use of the formal title itself. However, the word 'Quaker' may be used more broadly in American English (e.g., 'Quaker Oats', a brand with historical connections), while in the UK the term might retain a slightly stronger immediate association with the religious group.
A Christian religious denomination founded in 17th-century England, known for its commitment to pacifism, social justice, and worship based on silent waiting for divine guidance.
Religious society of friends is usually formal, historical, religious in register.
Religious society of friends: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˌlɪdʒ.əs səˈsaɪ.ə.ti əv ˈfrendz/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˌlɪdʒ.əs səˈsaɪ.ə.t̬i əv ˈfrendz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To speak in the manner of Friends (to speak plainly and truthfully)”
- “A Friend's testimony (referring to Quaker principles like peace or simplicity)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Friends' as in a close-knit community bound by shared religious conviction, not just casual acquaintances.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY IS A FAMILY/SOCIETY (emphasizing intimate fellowship and shared covenant).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Religious Society of Friends' LEAST likely to be used?