Citizen: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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 – 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.

At position #2,983, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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