Commonwealth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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commonwealth

[หˆkษ’mษ™nwษ›lฮธ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

international organization

A political association of sovereign states comprising the United Kingdom and a number of its former dependencies.

Examples of usage

  • The Commonwealth was established in 1931.
  • 54 countries are currently members of the Commonwealth.
Context #2 | Noun

historical context

A traditional English term for a political community founded for the common good.

Examples of usage

  • The term 'commonwealth' has its origins in the English Civil War period.
  • The idea of a commonwealth dates back to ancient times.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from Middle English, originally meaning 'common well-being', combining 'common' and 'wealth'.
  • Commonwealthโ€™s usage expanded in the 17th century to denote a political community founded for the common good.
  • The concept gained formal recognition with the establishment of the Commonwealth of Nations in 1931, primarily through the Statute of Westminster.

Political Science

  • Commonwealth states often prioritize ideals like democracy, peace, and development in governance.
  • The political term relates to the idea of representative government where power is derived from the consent of the governed.
  • Many renowned political thinkers, including John Locke, argued for the social contract as a foundation for commonwealth societies.

Cultural Significance

  • The Commonwealth of Nations today encompasses 54 member countries, promoting cultural exchange and understanding.
  • Holidays such as Commonwealth Day celebrate international cooperation and shared values among member nations.
  • The diverse cultures within the Commonwealth include a rich tapestry of languages, traditions, and histories contributing to global identity.

Literature

  • The notion of commonwealth has been explored in various literary works, emphasizing themes of community and civic responsibility.
  • Famous authors like James Harrington in the 17th century wrote extensively about the historical principles of commonwealth governance.
  • In Shakespeareโ€™s plays, references to commonwealth reflect on societal roles and responsibilities within a community.

Economics

  • In economic terms, commonwealth can be interpreted as the wealth available for the common good, focusing on resource allocation.
  • Forms of governance aiming at a commonwealth often include social welfare programs that benefit all members of society.
  • Collaborative economic models encourage shared ownership, aiming for equitable distribution and sustainability.

Origin of 'commonwealth'

The term 'commonwealth' originated in the late Middle English period, from common (in the sense 'shared by all') + wealth (in the sense 'condition or quality'). It has evolved to represent a political association of sovereign states and also has historical roots in the concept of a community founded for the common good.


See also: common, commonality, commoner, commoners, commonization, commonize, commonly, commonness, commonplace, uncommon, uncommonly.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,543 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.