republic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Political, Academic
Quick answer
What does “republic” mean?
A system of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter', not the private property of rulers, and where power is held by the people and their elected representatives.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A system of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter', not the private property of rulers, and where power is held by the people and their elected representatives.
A state with such a system of government; often refers specifically to a sovereign state with an elected or nominated president rather than a hereditary monarch.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in basic meaning. The term is equally common and carries identical denotative meaning. Capitalization conventions for country names are identical (e.g., 'the Czech Republic').
Connotations
In British context, historically contrasted with 'monarchy'. In American context, foundational to national identity and ideology.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties, given its centrality to political discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “republic” in a Sentence
the Republic of [Country/Region][Adjective] republiclive in a republicestablish a republicVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “republic” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The movement sought to republicanise the constitution.
- They were accused of plotting to republic the monarchy.
American English
- The founders debated how best to republicanize the new government.
- The article discussed efforts to republicanize the political culture.
adverb
British English
- The state was governed republicly for decades.
- (Note: Extremely rare; 'in a republican manner' is preferred).
American English
- (Note: 'Republicly' is virtually never used in modern English).
adjective
British English
- The republican forces were victorious.
- He held strong republican sentiments.
American English
- The Republican candidate won the district.
- They advocated for a republican form of governance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in discussions of political risk (e.g., 'operating in a newly established republic').
Academic
Central in political science, history, law, and philosophy; denotes a specific constitutional form.
Everyday
Used when discussing forms of government, nationality, or current events (e.g., 'He comes from a republic').
Technical
In political theory, has a precise meaning distinct from 'democracy'; emphasizes rule of law and mixed government.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “republic”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “republic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “republic”
- Capitalizing incorrectly: 'the republic of France' (incorrect) vs. 'the Republic of France' (correct when part of the official name).
- Confusing 'republic' with 'democracy' (a republic is a form of democracy with elected head of state).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A democracy is a system where people have authority. A republic is a specific *form* of democracy where sovereignty rests with the people, who elect representatives, and there is no hereditary monarch. All republics are democracies, but not all democracies are republics (e.g., constitutional monarchies like the UK are democracies).
The inclusion of 'Democratic' is often a political descriptor in the official name, emphasizing a particular ideology (e.g., the Democratic Republic of the Congo). It does not necessarily mean other 'Republics' are less democratic in practice.
No. 'Republic' specifies a *type* of country or government system. Many countries are not republics (e.g., kingdoms, emirates). The word 'country' is a broader geographical/political term.
No, by definition, a republic does not have a hereditary monarch as head of state. If a king/queen exists, even with limited powers, the system is a constitutional monarchy, not a republic.
A system of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter', not the private property of rulers, and where power is held by the people and their elected representatives.
Republic is usually formal, political, academic in register.
Republic: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈpʌblɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈpʌblɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “banana republic”
- “a republic of letters”
- “on the order of the day in the old republic”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'RE-PUBLIC' = 'thing of the public'. The 're-' here comes from Latin 'res' (thing, affair), so it's literally 'the public affair'.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STATE IS A BODY (the body politic). THE STATE IS A SHIP (ship of state). CITIZENS ARE OWNERS/MEMBERS.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a defining feature of a modern republic?