Citizens: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'civis,' meaning 'citizen' or 'inhabitant of a city.'
• Over time, the term evolved in different languages, influencing modern words like 'civic' and 'civilization.'

Historical Context

• In ancient Greece, citizens were men who had the right to vote and participate in government, contrasting with women and slaves.
• The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is a foundational document that established the rights of citizens against the ruling authority.

Political Science

• Citizenship can be obtained by birth, naturalization, or through descent from citizen parents.
• Rights of citizens often include freedom of speech, protection under the law, and the right to vote, which are critical for democracy.

Pop Culture

• In movies and books, the role of citizens often depicts how individuals can affect change in their communities, like in 'The Hunger Games.'
• Modern superheroes, like Spider-Man, are often portrayed as citizens who balance everyday life with their duties to protect their communities.

Global Perspectives

• Different countries have varying definitions and rights associated with citizenship, reflecting cultural values and historical contexts.
• Dual citizenship allows individuals to be citizens of more than one country, which has become more common in today's globalized world.

Positioned at #1,408, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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