Tribe

Definition

Tribe is a social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /traɪb/
• Respelling: TRYB (with "TRYB" rhyming with "vibe")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /traɪb/
• Respelling: TRYB (similar to American English, with "TRYB" rhyming with "vibe")

In both dialects, "tribe" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, as in "try," followed by a "b" sound. The word "tribe" rhymes with words like "vibe" and "scribe." The pronunciation of "tribe" is essentially the same in both American and British English.

Etymology

The word "tribe" comes from the Old French term "tribu", which is derived from the Latin "tribus". The Latin term originally referred to the three divisions of the Roman people: the Latins, Sabines, and Etruscans. Over time, "tribus" began to be used more broadly to indicate various groups and divisions of people.

Derivatives

• Tribal
• Tribesman
• Tribeswoman
• Tribalism
• Tribally

Synonyms

• Clan
• Group
• Faction

Antonyms

• Individual
• Isolate
• Outsider

Usage

• "The Maasai tribe of East Africa is known for its distinct culture and traditions."
• "He sought guidance from the elder of his tribe."

Related Terms

• Tribal
• Tribalism
• Chief
• Ancestry
• Lineage

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Social or Cultural Grouping: A group of people that shares a common ancestry, leadership, and traditions, often having a recognized leader and occupying a specific territory.
• Example: The indigenous tribe has lived in the region for centuries and has a rich oral history.

• Division or Class of People: A specific class or group of persons with a common characteristic or habit.
• Example: The company was divided into tribes based on the project they were handling.

• Biology - Taxonomy: A taxonomic category that is ranked below a family and above a genus, often used in botany to group together related species.
• Example: The grass family has several tribes, including the wheat tribe and the rice tribe.