noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

commonwealth

KO-muhn-wehlth

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Commonwealth (noun) means a self-governing political community, especially one organized for the general good of its members. Example: “The settlers formed a small commonwealth where every household had a say in the rules.”

noun

A self-governing political community, especially one organized for the general good of its members.

"The settlers formed a small commonwealth where every household had a say in the rules."

"Early writers imagined a commonwealth ruled by shared law rather than by one king."

"The document laid out plans for a new commonwealth governed by elected representatives."

name

The Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of countries, most of them former territories of the British Empire.

"As a Commonwealth citizen, you are eligible to vote in United Kingdom elections."

"Australia and Canada are both members of the Commonwealth."

"Mozambique joined the Commonwealth in 1995, although it had not been a part of the British Empire."

"Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, being former British colonies, are the only Southeast Asian member countries of the Commonwealth."

How to use commonwealth

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA political community organized for everyone's benefit, or (capitalized) the international group of nations linked to the former British Empire.

UK vs US

In the US, several states — including Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia — officially call themselves "commonwealths" rather than "states," though this makes no practical legal difference.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: commonwealths

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The settlers formed a small _____ where every household had a say in the rules.

Etymology

From common + wealth, originally meaning "the general well-being of the public" before it came to describe a self-governing state.

Synonyms

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republic nation polity federation democracy body politic state country land

Related words

say down state public country area political report

Rhymes for commonwealth

wealth health stealth

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Frequently asked questions

What does “commonwealth” mean?

The word “commonwealth” means a self-governing political community, especially one organized for the general good of its members. In plain terms, a political community organized for everyone's benefit, or (capitalized) the international group of nations linked to the former British Empire.

How do you pronounce “commonwealth”?

“Commonwealth” is pronounced KO-muhn-wehlth (/ˈkɑmənˌwɛlθ/ in IPA).

How do you use “commonwealth” in a sentence?

Here is “commonwealth” used in a sentence: “The document laid out plans for a new commonwealth governed by elected representatives.”

What part of speech is “commonwealth”?

Depending on how it is used, “commonwealth” can be a noun and a name.

Is “commonwealth” a common word?

“Commonwealth” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “commonwealth” have?

“Commonwealth” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a self-governing political community, especially one organized for the general good of its members.

What is the difference between a commonwealth and a republic?

A commonwealth is a self-governing political community organized for the general good of its members, a broad term that can describe various forms of state. A republic is more specific, referring to a state without a monarch where power rests with the people and their elected representatives; a commonwealth may or may not be a republic.

What is the difference between the Commonwealth and the British Empire?

The British Empire was a collection of territories ruled directly by Britain, whereas the Commonwealth of Nations is a voluntary association of independent countries, most of them former imperial territories. Membership in the Commonwealth is by choice, not by conquest or rule.

Why are some U.S. states, like Massachusetts and Virginia, called commonwealths?

These states use 'commonwealth' in their official names to emphasize that they are self-governing political communities founded for the common good of their people. Legally and practically, a state that calls itself a commonwealth has the same status as any other U.S. state.

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