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Confederate: meaning, definitions and examples

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confederate

 

[kənˈfɛd.ə.rət ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

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

ally, associate, partner.

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

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

allied, cooperative, joint.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "confederate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 confederado

🇮🇳 संघीय

🇩🇪 Konföderierte

🇮🇩 konfederasi

🇺🇦 конфедерат

🇵🇱 konfederat

🇯🇵 連邦の

🇫🇷 confédéré

🇪🇸 confederado

🇹🇷 konfederat

🇰🇷 연합의

🇸🇦 اتحادي

🇨🇿 konfederační

🇸🇰 konfederačný

🇨🇳 联邦的

🇸🇮 konfederat

🇮🇸 sambandsmaður

🇰🇿 конфедерат

🇬🇪 კონფედერატული

🇦🇿 konfederat

🇲🇽 confederado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,852, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.