fellow

Everyday

1. (informal, a bit old-fashioned) A man or boy: He's a nice fellow. tree →
2. (adjective) Someone in the same group or situation as you: my fellow pupils. tree →
3. (noun) A member of a society or an important person at a university. tree →
4. (noun) One of a pair: a sock without its fellow. tree →

In the lessons

In speeches and stories «fellow» means «others like me»: «fellow citizens», «fellow students»; in casual old talk «a fellow» is a man, like «a guy» or «a chap». Phrases: «fellow students», «fellow travellers», «a funny old fellow», «fellow feeling».

Examples

• He seems a friendly fellow. tree →
• I thanked my fellow classmates for their help. tree →
• Fellow passengers helped the old lady with her bag. tree →
• The poor fellow was soaking wet. tree →
• She became a fellow of the science society. tree →
• We are fellow members of the chess club. tree →
• "Ah, you foolish fellows!" he cried. tree →

Note

As a noun, informal and mostly for men; newer slang words are «guy», «bloke» (UK, Australia), «chap» (UK). Plural «fellows». Short form in talk: «fella» or «feller».

In Jewish tradition

It means a companion or neighbour, here a fellow Hebrew, or a worthless man ("base fellows") who leads others into idolatry.

Interpretation. Moses' question to the man striking "his fellow" is read as the first sign of his care for justice. The "base fellows" show how the Torah warns against those who lead others to serve idols.

Examples

• And he went out the second day, and, behold, two men of the Hebrews were striving together; and he said to him that did the wrong: 'Wherefore smitest thou thy fellow?' (Torah EXO.2.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• 'Certain base fellows are gone out from the midst of thee, and have drawn away the inhabitants of their city, saying: Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known'; (Torah DEU.13.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• And thus said Shimei when he cursed: 'Begone, begone, thou man of blood, and base fellow; (Prophets 2SA.16.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• But certain base fellows said: 'How shall this man save us?' And they despised him, and brought him no present. (Prophets 1SA.10.27, JPS 1917) tree →
• That hath no slander upon his tongue, nor doeth evil to his fellow, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour; (Writings PSA.15.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

As a noun, informal and mostly for men; newer slang words are «guy», «bloke» (UK, Australia), «chap» (UK). Plural «fellows». Short form in talk: «fella» or «feller».