coterie

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'coterie' is correct and can be used in written English.
The word 'coterie' is a noun used to describe a small, exclusive and usually influential group of people who associate with one another. Example sentence: The coterie of high-powered executives gathered to discuss the latest corporate merger.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet an early coterie of corporate leaders is showing an appetite to follow their lead.

The Guardian

If they're worried by it, what was the message they were sending by letting professional attention-seeker Geoffrey Edelston hijack and degrade Malthouse's record-breaking 715th game, of all occasions, when Edelsten dragged his sleazy one-man circus into the coaching box for the sake of coterie funds?

The Guardian - Sport

He is surrounded by a coterie of compatriots at Orient, and has family in nearby Tottenham.

The Guardian - Sport

According to an analysis of public records by the Guardian, the fast-food giant, which controls more than 35,000 restaurants in 119 countries, is run by a coterie of long-serving insiders whose relationships raise "very big red flags", according to critics.

The Guardian - Business

But the backlash against the supposed control-freakery of the Cameron coterie, plus some skilful work by rightwingers during the elections, mean that some of its officers are less-minded to give the leadership the benefit of the doubt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Warsi is known to be keeping a diary and there have been fears she will publish it before the election in an effort to expose the upper-class coterie in Cameron's inner circle.

The Guardian

His energy levels peak and trough; they're at a high when he's demanding "some pimp music" for P.I.M.P. or being lap-danced by his coterie of dancers during his gentlemanly Akon collaboration I Wanna Fuck You, and at a low when mumbling through chunks of boudoir R&B or when possessed by the ragga Lion within.

The Guardian - Music

Often activists are depicted as being like the mafia – part of an underground coterie that is somehow separated from ordinary life.

The Guardian - Opinion

I don't believe that Cameron and his coterie have any ideology other than a profound sense of, somehow, 'entitlement'".

The Guardian

He became notorious for secret police shenanigans, and the US suspected his coterie of being in cahoots with the former KGB.

The Guardian

Mr Obama has shunned the State Department, preferring a coterie in the White House.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coterie" when you want to emphasize the exclusivity and close-knit nature of a small group of people, especially one that wields influence or shares common interests.

Common error

Avoid using "coterie" when referring to any general group of people. The term implies a degree of exclusivity and shared interests or purposes that may not be present in a more casual grouping.

Linguistic Context

The noun "coterie" functions as a countable noun, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show how "coterie" identifies a specific group, often emphasizing its exclusivity. Ludwig AI indicates the term is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "coterie" refers to a small, exclusive group of people sharing common interests or purposes, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly used in news and formal business contexts, "coterie" implies a degree of exclusivity and influence. While grammatically correct and frequent, it's essential to use it accurately, avoiding its application to general groups without the element of exclusivity. Alternatives like "inner circle" or "clique" can be considered for similar meanings, but each carries slightly different connotations. Ludwig AI validates the correct usage of the word in written English, emphasizing its established presence across various sources. It's important to consider the slightly formal nature of this noun.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inner circle

Focuses on the exclusivity and privileged access of the group.

clique

Emphasizes the exclusive and sometimes excluding nature of the group.

in-group

Highlights the sense of belonging and shared identity within the group.

circle of friends

Underscores the personal and social connections among members.

group of associates

Stresses the professional or functional relationship among members.

set

A less formal term for a group of people who frequent the same places or share similar interests.

band

Suggests a close-knit group, often with a shared purpose or activity.

faction

Implies a group within a larger organization, often with dissenting views.

camp

A group united by a common cause or allegiance.

ring

Suggests a secretive or exclusive group, often with shared knowledge or influence.

FAQs

How to use "coterie" in a sentence?

You can use "coterie" to describe a small, exclusive group of people with shared interests or influence. For example, "The small "coterie" of artists dominated the local art scene."

What can I say instead of "coterie"?

You can use alternatives like "inner circle", "clique", or "in-group" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "coterie" a positive or negative term?

The term "coterie" is generally neutral but can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation if the exclusivity of the group is seen as exclusionary or elitist. The specific context determines the overall perception.

What's the difference between "coterie" and "community"?

"Coterie" refers to a small, exclusive group, while "community" implies a larger group with shared location, interests, or characteristics. A "coterie" is more tightly knit and exclusive than a "community".