cohort
KOH-hort
/ˈkoʊhɔːrt/
A group of individuals who share a common characteristic or experience within a defined period.
In statistics, it refers specifically to a group tracked over time; in general usage, it can mean a companion or supporter.
The story behind the word. Originally a 'cohors' was an enclosed yard, which later became the term for a tenth of a Roman legion (about 500 soldiers). Modern statistics adopted it for groups bounded by time or trait.
Word relationships
- group: 'Group' is general; 'cohort' implies shared statistical or temporal traits.
- demographic unit: A technical term used primarily in structural population research.
- individual: Refers to a single person rather than a tracked collective.
Commonly confused with
- consort: A cohort is a statistical group or companion; a consort is a spouse or partner, especially of a monarch.
Word family
- cohortational (adjective): Relating to a demographic cohort.
Collocations
- birth cohort
- cohort study
- patient cohort
- age cohort
Example sentences
- "The birth cohort of 1980 was tracked to observe long-term educational attainment." Demographic study
- "In a prospective cohort study, researchers followed 10,000 subjects over two decades." Public health research
Memory hook
CO-HORT: standard group enclosed together in a court. Bound together in time.
When not to use
Avoid using as a simple synonym for 'friend' in formal demographic writing.
Fun facts
- A Roman legion was divided into 10 cohorts, each operating as a tactical unit.
Related words
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