third republic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “third republic” mean?
A specific historical period of republican government in France, lasting from 1870 to 1940.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific historical period of republican government in France, lasting from 1870 to 1940.
A term used to refer to the third iteration of a republican system of government in a nation's history, most famously applied to France. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a renewed or re-established democratic phase after periods of monarchy or dictatorship.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. British English may be slightly more likely to encounter it in European history contexts, while American English might use it more in comparative political studies.
Connotations
Identical historical connotations. In both varieties, it primarily evokes French history.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language, but equal frequency in academic historical discourse in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “third republic” in a Sentence
the Third Republic of [Country]the [Country] Third Republica third republic was proclaimedVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “third republic” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
American English
- [Not applicable as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The Third-Republic politicians were often embroiled in scandal.
- He had a collection of Third-Republic era posters.
American English
- Third-Republic politics were marked by instability.
- She studied Third-Republic constitutional law.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in history, political science, and European studies to analyse the period, its institutions, crises, and legacy.
Everyday
Rare, except in discussions of French history or politics.
Technical
A precise historiographical term denoting a specific constitutional period.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “third republic”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “third republic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “third republic”
- Capitalising 'third' when used generally (e.g., 'the country entered its third republic').
- Omitting the definite article 'the' when referring to the specific French period.
- Confusing it with the Fourth or Fifth Republics.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When referring specifically to the historical French period, 'Third Republic' is capitalised as a proper noun. When used generically (e.g., 'the nation's third republic'), it is not.
It was preceded by the Second French Empire (1852–1870) under Napoleon III. It was succeeded by the French State (Vichy France, 1940–1944) after defeat in WWII, and then the Fourth Republic in 1946.
Yes, generically. For example, one might discuss 'the possibility of a third republic' in a country that has had two previous republican periods. However, without specification, it defaults to the French context.
No, it is primarily a historical term. Modern French politics is discussed in terms of the Fifth Republic (established in 1958).
A specific historical period of republican government in France, lasting from 1870 to 1940.
Third republic is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Third republic: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθɜːd rɪˈpʌblɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθɜrd rɪˈpʌblɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think '1st: Revolution, 2nd: Short-lived, 3rd: Long-lasting (1870-1940)' – it was the third time France became a republic and the one that lasted 70 years.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL SYSTEMS ARE BUILDINGS: "The foundations of the Third Republic were shaky." "The Third Republic collapsed in 1940."
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common referent of the term 'Third Republic'?