Member Meaning
Member Definition & Usage
A person who belongs to or is part of a group, organization, or collective entity.
Examples
- "She became a member of the local library club after moving to town."
- "He is an active member of the environmental committee."
- "As a member of the team, she had to attend every meeting."
- "They are looking for new members to join their gym."
- "He was the last member of his family to leave the town."
A limb or part of the body, often used in a formal or anatomical sense.
Examples
- "The leg is an important member of the human body."
- "A prosthetic member can replace a lost limb."
- "The doctor examined the broken member carefully."
- "In ancient medicine, different members of the body were often studied in isolation."
- "He lost the use of a member in an accident, but continued to work."
An individual who is a part of a family, society, or other social unit.
Examples
- "She was raised as a member of a prestigious family."
- "He always saw himself as a member of the working class."
- "The church welcomed new members every Sunday."
- "As members of a tight-knit community, they looked out for each other."
- "The members of the committee were all highly respected professionals."
Cultural Context
The term 'member' has roots in both Latin and Old French, where it originally referred to parts of the body ('membrum'). Over time, its use broadened to refer to individuals who are part of larger groups, organizations, or societies. It is commonly used in social, professional, and even legal contexts.
The New Member
Story
The New Member
It was the first day of the new year, and Sarah was nervously walking towards the community center for her first meeting with the newly formed neighborhood association. She had only recently moved to the area and was eager to get involved, but she wasn’t sure if she would fit in. As she approached the door, she hesitated for a moment, wondering if she was truly ready to be a part of this group. Inside, the room was filled with people chatting over coffee, discussing plans for the upcoming year. One woman, noticing Sarah, approached her with a warm smile. 'You must be the new member,' she said. 'I’m Linda, and I’ve been with the association for a few years now. It’s great to have you.' Sarah smiled back, feeling a sense of relief. It was nice to be welcomed so openly. 'Yes, I just moved here from the city,' Sarah replied, 'and I’m really looking forward to contributing to the community.' As they chatted, Linda explained how they were working to revitalize the local park, and Sarah immediately felt a connection. It felt good to be a member of something that mattered. She could already imagine herself returning to these meetings, being a part of the change they were working for. Later that afternoon, Sarah attended a small gathering at a local cafe to discuss their upcoming projects. As she sat down with the others, she looked around at the diverse group of people—young, old, families, and singles alike—all of them members of this shared cause. But Sarah's thoughts were interrupted by a loud voice from the back of the room. It was the president of the association, Mark, a man in his forties with an air of authority. 'As members of this community, we need to understand that our actions, no matter how small, will always affect the greater whole,' Mark said, as he began outlining their goals for the year. Sarah listened intently, understanding that being a member here was more than just attending meetings. It was about contributing, making a difference, and being a part of something bigger than herself. By the end of the afternoon, Sarah felt a deep sense of belonging. She had become more than just a new member; she was a part of a group, a community, and a movement. And as she left the cafe, she couldn't help but smile, knowing that this was just the beginning of her journey as a member of something meaningful.
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