A1 noun Neutral #294 most common

member

/ˈmɛm.bər/

A person who belongs to a specific group, club, organization, or family. It describes someone who is officially part of a collective unit and shares its benefits or responsibilities.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I am a member of the local library so I can borrow books for free.

I belong to the local library to get free books.

2

Each member of the council is required to attend the annual meeting.

Every person in the council must go to the yearly meeting.

3

Are you a member of our secret gaming group?

Are you in our private gaming group?

Word Family

Noun
membership
Adjective
membered
Related
membership
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Memory Tip

Think of your body: your arms and legs are 'members' (limbs) because they are attached to your body. Just like your arm is part of you, a 'member' is a part of a group.

Quick Quiz

He has been a ___ of the football team for three years.

Correct!

The correct answer is: member

Examples

1

I am a member of the local library so I can borrow books for free.

everyday

I belong to the local library to get free books.

2

Each member of the council is required to attend the annual meeting.

formal

Every person in the council must go to the yearly meeting.

3

Are you a member of our secret gaming group?

informal

Are you in our private gaming group?

4

The researcher interviewed every member of the population sample.

academic

The scientist talked to every person in the test group.

5

We are looking for a new member to join our sales department.

business

We want a new person to work in our sales team.

Word Family

Noun
membership
Adjective
membered
Related
membership

Common Collocations

family member a person in your family
staff member a person who works for a company
team member a person on a specific team
board member a person on a leadership committee
community member a person living in a specific area

Common Phrases

a member of the public

an ordinary person in society

founding member

a person who helped start a group

card-carrying member

a person who is a committed and official part of a group

Often Confused With

member vs memory

A 'member' is a person in a group, while 'memory' is something you remember in your mind.

member vs number

A 'member' refers to an individual person; a 'number' is a mathematical value.

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Usage Notes

Use 'member of' followed by the name of the group or organization. It is a countable noun, so you can have one member or many members.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget to use 'of' after member (e.g., saying 'I am a member the club' instead of 'member of the club').

💡

Memory Tip

Think of your body: your arms and legs are 'members' (limbs) because they are attached to your body. Just like your arm is part of you, a 'member' is a part of a group.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin word 'membrum', which means a limb or a part of the body.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: one member, two members Often followed by the preposition 'of' Used with possessive adjectives: 'our member', 'their member'
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Cultural Context

In many cultures, being a 'family member' carries specific legal and social expectations regarding care and loyalty.

Quick Quiz

He has been a ___ of the football team for three years.

Correct!

The correct answer is: member

Related Words

sit

A1

To rest your body on your bottom with your back upright, typically on a chair or the floor. It describes both the action of moving into this position and the state of being in it.

stand

A1

To be in an upright position supported by one's feet rather than sitting or lying down. It also refers to the physical location of an object or a person's particular opinion on a subject.

pay

A1

To give money to someone in exchange for goods, services, or to settle a debt. It can also mean to give something non-monetary, such as attention or a compliment.

meet

A1

To come together with someone at a specific place and time, or to be introduced to someone for the first time. It can also mean to satisfy a requirement, standard, or need.

continue

A1

To keep doing something or to stay in the same state without stopping. It can also mean to start an activity again after a short break.

set

A1

To put or place something in a specific position or location. It also means to adjust or prepare something so that it is ready for use, such as a clock or a table.

learn

A1

To gain knowledge, understanding, or a skill by studying, practicing, or being taught. It refers to the process of acquiring information through experience or education.

lead

A1

To go in front of a group of people to show them the way to a place. It also means to be in control of a group, a team, or an activity.

understand

A1

To know the meaning of what someone is saying or how something works. It involves grasping an idea, a language, or a situation clearly in your mind.

follow

A1

To move behind someone or something in the same direction. It also means to obey rules, instructions, or to understand the logic of an argument or story.

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