nation
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for nation, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A large group of people who share a common history, culture, language, or identity, often but not always tied to a specific country.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use nation
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin nātiō, "birth, race, people," ultimately from nāscor, "to be born" — the same root behind "native" and "natal."
Full origin of nation →Frequently asked questions
What does “nation” mean?
The word “nation” means a large group of people who share a common history, culture, language, or identity, often but not always tied to a specific country. In plain terms, a country, or a people bound together by shared identity, even when they don't all live within one country's borders.
How do you pronounce “nation”?
“Nation” is pronounced NAY-shuhn (/ˈneɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “nation” in a sentence?
Here is “nation” used in a sentence: “The nation came together to mourn the loss of the beloved leader.”
What part of speech is “nation”?
“Nation” is a noun.
Where does the word “nation” come from?
The word “nation” comes from Latin. From Latin nātiō, "birth, race, people," ultimately from nāscor, "to be born" — the same root behind "native" and "natal.".
Is “nation” a common word?
“Nation” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “nation” have?
“Nation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large group of people who share a common history, culture, language, or identity, often but not always tied to a specific country.
What is the difference between a nation and a country?
A country is mainly a political and geographic unit — a territory with borders, a government, and a place on the map. A nation is the people themselves, bound by shared history, culture, language, or identity. The two often coincide, but not always: one country can contain several nations, and a nation can spread across borders.
What is the difference between a nation and a state?
In political terms, a 'state' is a sovereign entity with a government, territory, and authority — closer in meaning to 'country.' A 'nation' refers to a people united by identity and culture. When the two align, we call the result a 'nation-state.' So a state is a structure, while a nation is a community of people.
Can a nation exist without a country?
Yes. A nation is defined by shared identity rather than by owning territory, so 'stateless nations' exist — peoples with a strong common culture and history who have no country of their own. This is why 'nation' can describe a community that is spread across several states or lacks recognised borders altogether.