1
Core meaning
A person from the same country as another person.
Example
She defeated a compatriot in the final.
compatriot
/kəmˈpætriət/ · kum-PAT-ree-utnoun
A person from the same country as another person.
Use compatriot to express this relationship precisely: a person from the same country as another person.
What compatriot Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common noun frame
Use this noun in a complete noun phrase, adding the complement that identifies what it refers to when needed.
Example
Expatriates gathered with their compatriots during the festival.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact concept matters; a related term may describe its cause, evidence, or opposite instead.
Example
The diplomat assisted a stranded compatriot.
Use compatriot Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
She defeated a compatriot in the final.
Expatriates gathered with their compatriots during the festival.
The diplomat assisted a stranded compatriot.
Precision Matters
Compatriot overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
compatriot
vs.Means a person from the same country as another person.
colleague
Means a person with whom one works, especially in the same profession, field, or organization.
compatriot
vs.Means a person from the same country as another person.
adversary
Means an opponent, rival, or enemy in a conflict, contest, debate, or struggle.
compatriot
vs.Means a person from the same country as another person.
defector
Means a person who abandons one country, organization, cause, or allegiance to join an opposing one.
compatriot
vs.Means a person from the same country as another person.
affinity
Means a strong attraction, liking, or natural connection.
Test compatriot in Context
The two people share the same nationality.
1
Abroad, the athlete discovered that her new training partner was a ___ from her own country.