Fraternity vs. Sorority — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
Fraternities are male-only student organizations in colleges, while sororities are female-only.
Difference Between Fraternity and Sorority
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fraternity, originating from the Latin word "frater" meaning brother, typically refers to male-only collegiate organizations. These groups are often founded on principles of brotherhood, leadership, scholarship, and service. Sorority, on the other hand, is derived from the Latin word "soror" which means sister. Sororities mirror fraternities in many ways but are exclusive to female students.
Both fraternities and sororities emphasize academic excellence, community service, and fostering deep bonds among members. While the main distinction between the two lies in gender, both groups hold traditions, rituals, and events unique to their respective organizations.
Overall, fraternities and sororities are integral to campus culture in many American universities, providing students with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Comparison Chart
Derived From
Latin "frater" (brother)
Latin "soror" (sister)
Gender
Male-only
Female-only
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Common Objective
Brotherhood
Sisterhood
Historical Origin
Ancient Greek and Roman organizations
Emerged in the 19th century in response to male-dominated collegiate organizations
Pronunciation
Fruh-TERN-ih-tee
Suh-ROR-ih-tee
Compare with Definitions
Fraternity
The quality or state of being brothers.
The soldiers felt a deep sense of fraternity after months of training together.
Sorority
A female-only student organization in colleges.
Emma is excited to rush for the Alpha Phi Sorority this fall.
Fraternity
A male-only student organization in colleges.
John joined the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity during his sophomore year.
Sorority
An organization of women formed for mutual support.
The town's sorority often fundraises for local shelters.
Fraternity
A group of individuals with shared values or beliefs.
The fraternity of human rights activists is growing globally.
Sorority
A collective of women sharing common goals or aspirations.
The sorority of women in STEM fields is paving the way for future generations.
Fraternity
A fraternity (from Latin frater: "brother"; whence, "brotherhood") or fraternal organization is an organization, society, club or fraternal order traditionally of men associated together for various religious or secular aims. Fraternity in the Western concept developed in the Christian context, notably with the religious orders in the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages.
Sorority
A social group of women, often with selective membership.
The sorority hosts charity events every spring.
Fraternity
A body of people associated for a common purpose or interest, such as a guild.
Sorority
A sisterhood or association of women.
The sorority of female writers held an annual convention.
Fraternity
A group of people joined by similar backgrounds, occupations, interests, or tastes
The fraternity of bird watchers.
Sorority
A chiefly social organization of women students at a college or university, usually designated by Greek letters.
Fraternity
A social organization at a college or university, traditionally consisting of male students and designated by Greek letters.
Sorority
An association or a society of women.
Fraternity
Roman Catholic Church A sodality.
Sorority
A group of girls or women associated for a common purpose; a sisterhood.
Fraternity
The quality or condition of being brothers; brotherliness.
Sorority
(US) A social organization of female students at a college or university; usually identified by Greek letters.
Fraternity
The quality of being brothers or brotherly; brotherhood.
Sorority
A social club for female undergraduates
Fraternity
A group of people associated for a common purpose.
Fraternity
(US) A social organization of male students at a college or university; usually identified by Greek letters.
Fraternity
The state or quality of being fraternal or brotherly; brotherhood.
Fraternity
A body of men associated for their common interest, business, or pleasure; a company; a brotherhood; a society; in the Roman Catholic Church, an association for special religious purposes, for relieving the sick and destitute, etc.
Fraternity
Men of the same class, profession, occupation, character, or tastes.
With what terms of respect knaves and sots will speak of their own fraternity!
Fraternity
A social club for male college undergraduates. They often have secret initiation rites, and are named by the use of two or three Greek letters. The corresponding association for women students is called a sorority.
Fraternity
A social club for male undergraduates
Fraternity
People engaged in a particular occupation;
The medical fraternity
Fraternity
A group of people sharing a common profession or interests.
The medical fraternity has seen significant advancements in recent years.
Fraternity
A social club for men, usually secret and exclusive.
The local Elk's Lodge is a well-known fraternity in town.
Common Curiosities
Can a woman join a fraternity or a man join a sorority?
Traditionally, fraternities are male-only and sororities are female-only, but some co-ed fraternities accept both genders.
How do students join a fraternity or sorority?
Most undergo a recruitment process, often referred to as "rushing."
Do all universities have fraternities and sororities?
Not all, but many universities in the U.S. have fraternity and sorority systems.
Is there a financial commitment to join a fraternity or sorority?
Yes, members often pay dues to cover various expenses.
What are the purposes of fraternities and sororities?
Both emphasize leadership, community service, personal growth, and forming deep bonds among members.
What's the main difference between a fraternity and a sorority?
Fraternities are male-only organizations, while sororities are female-only.
What does "going Greek" mean?
It refers to joining a Greek-lettered fraternity or sorority.
Do fraternities and sororities engage in community service?
Yes, many organizations prioritize charitable work and community service.
Are all fraternities and sororities about socializing?
While many have a social component, many also focus on academics, service, or professional networking.
Are fraternities and sororities only present in the U.S.?
They are most prominent in the U.S., but some exist internationally.
Do fraternities and sororities have houses on campuses?
Many do, serving as residences and meeting places for members.
Why are they called "Greek" organizations?
Because they often use Greek letters as their names, like Alpha, Beta, Gamma, etc.
Can someone be in both a fraternity and a sorority?
Typically no, one can usually only join and be active in one organization.
What are "pledges" in the context of fraternities and sororities?
Pledges are new members who are learning about the organization before full membership.
What's the lifelong commitment aspect of fraternities and sororities?
Many members view their involvement as a lifelong bond, maintaining connections and participating in alumni events.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
