Citizen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ
citizen
[หsษชtษชz(ษ)n ]
Definitions
law abiding
A legally recognized member of a state, country, or community, with certain rights and responsibilities.
Synonyms
inhabitant, national, resident.
Examples of usage
- All citizens must abide by the laws of the land.
- As a citizen, you have the right to vote in elections.
loyal
A person who shows loyalty to their country and is willing to defend it if necessary.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He is a proud citizen who serves in the military.
- Citizens are encouraged to participate in community service.
community
A member of a particular community or group sharing common interests.
Synonyms
community member, member, participant.
Examples of usage
- She is an active citizen in the local neighborhood association.
- Citizens came together to clean up the park.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- In ancient Greece, citizenship was only granted to free men who could participate in governance, excluding women and slaves.
- The Magna Carta of 1215 was pivotal in establishing certain rights for citizens in England, shaping future notions of citizenship.
- The concept of citizenship has expanded over time to include legal rights for all individuals within a nation, regardless of gender or social class.
Politics
- Citizenship can be acquired by birth, naturalization, or through other means like marriage.
- Many countries have different types of citizenship โ for instance, dual citizenship allows a person to be a citizen of two nations.
- Citizens are often expected to participate in civic duties, such as voting or serving on juries.
Culture
- In various cultures, being a good citizen is tied to community service, with many individuals volunteering to help improve their communities.
- Festivals and national holidays often celebrate the rights and duties of citizens, fostering a sense of belonging.
- Citizenship education is essential in schools, teaching young people their rights, responsibilities, and the importance of civic involvement.
Globalization
- With globalization, the concept of citizenship has expanded to include global citizenship, emphasizing shared responsibilities to the world.
- The rise of multinational corporations challenges traditional notions of citizenship, as many individuals work across borders.
- Many organizations advocate for the rights of stateless people, highlighting the complexities of citizenship in the modern world.
Origin of 'citizen'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'citizen,' which is derived from the Latin 'civitas,' meaning 'city.'
- Originally, it referred to members of a city-state in ancient Rome who had rights and responsibilities.
- The term has evolved, but the core idea of belonging to a community remains central.
The word 'citizen' originated from the Latin word 'civis', meaning 'citizen' or 'townsman'. It has been used in English since the late 14th century to refer to an inhabitant of a city or town. Over time, the term evolved to represent a member of a state or country with legal rights and responsibilities. The concept of citizenship has played a crucial role in societies throughout history, shaping the rights and duties of individuals within a community.