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phalanstery

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //fəˈlæn.stə.ri//

KK: /fælənˌstɛri/

noun
Definition

A type of community where people live and work together cooperatively, based on the ideas of Charles Fourier.


Example

The group decided to establish a phalanstery to promote their shared values and sustainable living.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of a phalanstery?
Sloth B
No, what is that?
Sloth A
It's a kind of community where people live and work together sustainably.
Sloth B
That sounds interesting! I’d love to learn more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cooperative
commune
collective
Antonyms
individualism
isolation
solitude
Root Explanation

Phalanstery is derived from "phalanx" (from Greek "phalanx", meaning a line of battle or a formation of soldiers) and the suffix "-tery" (meaning a place associated with). The term refers to a community or place where people live together in a cooperative manner, akin to a military formation working in unison.

Memory Tip

Imagine a group of soldiers standing in formation ('phalanx') and think of a place where they all work together ('-tery'). This helps you remember that a phalanstery is a community where people live and cooperate closely.

Visually Confused Words
plastery
planterly
ailantery
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