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Commune Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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commune

[ˈkɒmjun ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

local government

A commune is a local administrative division in some countries, often functioning as a municipality. It can represent both a geographic area and a community of people who live together and share resources.

Synonyms

community, district, municipality.

Examples of usage

  • The commune was established to better serve the local population.
  • In France, a commune is the smallest administrative division.
  • The commune hosted a festival to celebrate local culture.
Context #2 | Noun

shared living

In a different context, a commune refers to a group of people living together and sharing responsibilities, resources, and decision-making equally. This type of commune is often associated with alternative lifestyles and cooperative living.

Synonyms

co-housing, collective, cooperative.

Examples of usage

  • The eco-commune focuses on sustainable living practices.
  • They decided to form a commune to share costs and resources.
  • Living in a commune can foster strong community bonds.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sociology

  • Communes often emphasize collective decision-making and shared responsibilities among members.
  • These setups can lead to strong social bonds and a sense of belonging among participants.
  • Different cultures have their versions of communes, each reflecting their unique values and lifestyles.

History

  • In 1960s America, communes became popular as part of countercultural movements advocating for alternative living.
  • Historical communes like the Shakers in America focused on communal living, equality, and pacifism.
  • Largely, communes have emerged in response to urbanization, offering a simpler, more connected way of life.

Political Science

  • Communes can serve as models for anarchist societies, promoting self-governance and autonomy.
  • In some political systems, particularly socialism, communes are seen as a way to redistribute resources more equitably.
  • The idea of communal living can challenge traditional capitalist values, advocating for cooperation over competition.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and books often depict communes as havens for creativity and nonconformity, reflecting societal attitudes.
  • The portrayal of communes in media ranges from utopian dreams to cautionary tales about groupthink.
  • Recent trends in reality TV have brought the concept of communal living into the spotlight, highlighting its challenges and rewards.

Origin of 'commune'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'communis', meaning 'shared by all'.
  • It was first used in English in the 14th century to mean a community with shared interests.
  • Over time, the meaning expanded to include groups living together with common goals.

The word 'commune' originates from the Latin noun 'communis', meaning 'common, shared by all or many'. It evolved through the Old French 'commune', which referred to a community or municipality. The term began to gain prominence in the medieval period as a way to describe various forms of local governance in Europe, particularly those that emerged in the context of growing urbanization. By the 19th century, 'commune' was also adopted to describe intentional communities or groups of individuals living cooperatively, particularly in relation to socialist movements. Over time, the meaning of the term has expanded to encompass both administrative divisions and communal living arrangements, making it a versatile term in contemporary discourse.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,473, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.