communauté

Communauté is a French noun that denotes a group of people who share something in common—such as territory, culture, interests, or identity—and who feel a sense of belonging to that group. The term can refer to a geographic community as well as to a more abstract or voluntary association. Its etymology traces to Latin communitas, from communis meaning "common."

In sociology, a community is a social unit defined by shared values, norms, and social ties. Communities can be geographic, such as a village or neighborhood, or non-geographic, such as professional groups or online interest networks. The concept emphasizes social bonds, mutual support, and collective identity, and it is often analyzed in relation to broader social structures, institutions, and networks.

In administrative contexts within Francophone countries, "communauté" appears in designations for intermunicipal groupings, such as "communauté urbaine," "communauté de communes," or "communauté d'agglomération." These structures coordinate services and development efforts across multiple municipalities and balance local autonomy with shared governance.

Historically, the term has also referred to supranational communities. In the mid-to-late 20th century, "Communauté européenne" described the European Community, a precursor to the European Union. The French usage reflected a focus on a cohesive political and economic grouping, a sense of shared institutions and policies among member states.

Religiously, "communauté" denotes a group of believers sharing a common life, such as a monastic or lay religious community, or a parish-based community. In contemporary culture and technology, the word is common for online communities built around platforms, brands, or shared interests, highlighting the ongoing relevance of communal belonging in various contexts.