Confederate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⚔️
confederate
[kənˈfɛd.ə.rət ]
Definitions
historical context
A confederate is a member of a league or alliance, particularly referring to an individual or group that joined a confederation during a specific historical period. Most commonly, this term is associated with the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War, where it referred to states and individuals that seceded from the Union.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The confederates fought bravely during the battle.
- Many confederates held strong beliefs about states' rights.
- He studied the strategies used by the confederates.
- The confederate flag remains a controversial symbol.
political alliance
The term confederate, as an adjective, refers to something related to a confederation or alliance, particularly in the context of political or military associations. This usage emphasizes a cooperative relationship among separate entities, often with shared goals or purposes.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Confederate forces gathered for a strategic meeting.
- The confederate governments worked together to negotiate terms.
- Her confederate endeavors led to significant reforms.
- They planned a confederate response to the crisis.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- The term is commonly associated with the Confederate States of America, which were southern states that seceded from the Union during the American Civil War.
- The Confederacy fought to maintain its way of life, particularly slavery, leading to significant historical conflict.
Politics
- In modern contexts, a confederate system refers to a union of sovereign states, often governed by a central authority with limited power.
- Confederations can vary in structure, with member states maintaining considerable independence.
Pop Culture
- The term appears in various films and literature depicting the Civil War, influencing American culture and identity.
- Songs like 'Dixie' and 'The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down' reflect the complexities of Confederate identity in popular culture.
Psychology
- In research settings, a confederate can be a person who is part of the experiment but pretends to be a participant, influencing responses.
- Understanding roles of confederates helps in studying social influences on individual behavior.
Origin of 'confederate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'confoederatus', meaning 'joined together', which combines 'con-' (together) and 'foedus' (treaty).
- First used in English in the 14th century, it initially referred to groups united for a common cause.
The word 'confederate' comes from the Latin term 'confoederatus', which means 'joined together' or 'in alliance'. This term emerged in the English language during the 15th century, primarily to describe nations or groups that were formed into a league for political or military cooperation. The meaning evolved to notably reference the Confederate States of America, which were a group of 11 southern states that seceded from the Union during the American Civil War in the 1860s. This historical significance has influenced its modern usage, associating the term with themes of rebellion, alliances, and political strife. Additionally, 'confederate' often carries connotations of solidarity and shared purpose, reflecting its origins in alliances formed to achieve common goals.