chapter
This term evokes a sense of structured progression, whether in a physical book or the timeline of a human life. When used to describe a life stage, it suggests a clean break from the past and the start of a new narrative arc, often carrying a hopeful or transformative connotation. It implies that the person is the protagonist of their own story, moving from one distinct phase to another.
In organizational contexts, the word shifts from a narrative sense to a structural one, denoting a localized cell of a larger entity. This usage emphasizes a balance between local autonomy and adherence to a central authority. There are no irregular pluralization rules or unusual countability constraints associated with this noun.
Meanings
Examples
The cathedral chapter is responsible for the administration of the church.
Collocations & Compounds
final chapter
Noun collocation: the concluding section of a book
new chapter
Noun collocation: a fresh start or period in life
Graduation marks a new chapter for students.
local chapter
Noun collocation: a regional branch of an organization
chapter meeting
Noun collocation: a gathering of a local branch