fifth republic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Political, Historical
Quick answer
What does “fifth republic” mean?
A specific period in French political history, beginning in 1958 and characterized by a constitution establishing a semi-presidential system with a strong executive presidency.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific period in French political history, beginning in 1958 and characterized by a constitution establishing a semi-presidential system with a strong executive presidency.
The current system of government in France, established by Charles de Gaulle. It can also refer generically to a fifth iteration of republican government in a country's history, though this is rare.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term solely in the context of French history/politics.
Connotations
Connotes modern French political stability, the legacy of Charles de Gaulle, and a specific constitutional structure. No national variation.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, appearing almost exclusively in historical, political science, and European news contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “fifth republic” in a Sentence
[the] Fifth Republic + [of France]during [the] Fifth Republicthe establishment/beginning/founding of [the] Fifth RepublicVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fifth republic” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Fifth Republic constitution remains in force.
- A Fifth Republic presidential election is underway.
American English
- Fifth Republic institutions have endured.
- The analysis focused on Fifth Republic fiscal policy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in analysis of French market stability or political risk.
Academic
Common in Political Science, Modern History, and European Studies departments.
Everyday
Very rare. Used only when discussing French current affairs or modern history.
Technical
Specific term in constitutional law and comparative politics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fifth republic”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fifth republic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fifth republic”
- Writing 'fifth Republic' (lowercase 'f').
- Using it without 'the' (incorrect: *'He studied Fifth Republic').
- Confusing it with other French republics (e.g., Fourth Republic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the specific French political era, it is a proper noun and should be capitalized: 'the Fifth Republic'.
Extremely rarely. It is overwhelmingly associated with France. A country would need to have had four clearly defined previous republics for the term to be used similarly.
The Fourth Republic (1946-1958), which was a parliamentary system known for its political instability.
1958 is the year the Fifth Republic's constitution was adopted, following a crisis in Algeria, and Charles de Gaulle returned to power to design the new system.
A specific period in French political history, beginning in 1958 and characterized by a constitution establishing a semi-presidential system with a strong executive presidency.
Fifth republic is usually formal, academic, political, historical in register.
Fifth republic: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɪfθ rɪˈpʌb.lɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɪfθ riˈpʌb.lɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a Fifth Republic-style presidency”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'France is the FIFTH country you'd visit in Europe, and its current REPUBLIC started in 1958.'
Conceptual Metaphor
A POLITICAL SYSTEM IS A BUILDING (foundation, structure, stability, era).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'the Fifth Republic' specifically refer to?