Words / B1

MEMB-uh-ship/ˈmembəʃɪp/

Membership is belonging to a club or group: gym membership; membership fees; cancel your membership. Member is the person (already in the dictionary). Subscription is close for magazines and streaming. Uncountable for the state of belonging; a membership can mean one person’s place. Do not write “a membership of the union” — say membership of / union membership.

Meaning

The state of belonging to a club or organisation; also the members as a group.

Examples

• “Gym membership includes two fitness classes a week.”
• “Union membership rose after the pay offer was rejected.”
• “Gym membership includes two classes, but not personal training.”

Good to know

membership of; gym / union membership. Person: member. Streaming/magazine: subscription. Not “a membership of” + organisation without rewriting.

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