Citizenry Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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citizenry
[ˈsɪtɪz(ə)nri ]
Definition
members of a community
Citizenry refers to the collective body of citizens in a particular place, often used to describe the population or inhabitants of a city, town, or country. It encompasses individuals who have the right to participate in government and civic life.
Synonyms
inhabitants, population, residents.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| citizenry |
Used to refer to an organized group of citizens, often in a political or social context.
|
| population |
General term for the total number of people living in a certain area, often used in statistical, demographic, or scientific contexts.
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| residents |
Specifically refers to individuals who live in a particular place, usually in the context of housing or living arrangements.
|
| inhabitants |
Describes people who live in a specific area, often emphasizing their presence in that place without implying any form of legal or official recognition.
|
Examples of usage
- The citizenry of the small town gathered for a town hall meeting.
- The government's policies were supported by the majority of the citizenry.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- In Ancient Greece, citizenship was highly valued, and only free men could be considered citizens, exerting political rights.
- The Magna Carta in 1215 began to lay the groundwork for citizen rights against royal authority in England.
- Revolutions worldwide have often been driven by ideas of citizenry and the desire for equal rights and representation.
Civic Engagement
- Citizenry involves participation in elections, indicating a community's role in shaping government.
- Civic duties like voting and community service strengthen the bond between citizens and their society.
- In modern democracies, citizens are often encouraged to engage in activism to voice their opinions.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures define citizenship uniquely, affecting who is included in the citizenry based on heritage or contribution.
- In many countries, concepts of citizenry extend to immigrants and their paths to gaining rights through naturalization.
- Cultural festivals often celebrate the idea of community, showing pride in citizenship and local traditions.
Legal Aspects
- Citizens have specific legal rights, such as freedom of speech, while also bearing responsibilities like paying taxes.
- International law recognizes the concept of statelessness, where individuals may lack citizenship and face human rights challenges.
- Naturalization laws differ globally, outlining criteria for non-citizens to become part of the citizenry.
Origin of 'citizenry'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French term 'citien,' meaning citizen, which evolved from the Latin 'civitas,' meaning city.
- Its roots imply a connection to a communal space where individuals engage in civic life.
- The term underscores the importance of belonging to a political entity and community.
The word 'citizenry' originated from the term 'citizen' combined with the suffix '-ry', which indicates a state, condition, or quality. 'Citizen' comes from the Latin word 'civis', meaning 'citizen' or 'townsman'. Over time, 'citizenry' has come to represent the collective body of citizens in a community or country, emphasizing the rights and responsibilities of individuals within a society.
See also: citizenize, citizens, citizenship.