republican

The word “republican” means a person who supports republican government — rule by elected representatives rather than a monarch. In plain terms, someone who favors government without a monarch, or (capitalized) a member of the US Republican Party.

“Republican” is pronounced rih-PUHB-lih-kuhn (/ɹɪˈpʌblɪkən/ in IPA).

Here is “republican” used in a sentence: “He was a lifelong republican, opposed to any return of the monarchy.”

“Republican” is a noun.

The word “republican” comes from French. From republic plus the adjective ending -an, reinforced by French républicain.

“Republican” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Republican” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who supports republican government — rule by elected representatives rather than a monarch.

A republican believes a country should be led by elected representatives, with no king or queen as head of state. A monarchist believes in keeping a monarch, whether ruling or ceremonial. The two hold opposite views on how the highest office in a nation should be filled.

Written with a small 'r', a republican is anyone who supports a republic over a monarchy. Capitalised, Republican usually means a member or supporter of the United States Republican Party. The first is a general political idea; the second is a specific party allegiance.

In Britain, a republican is someone who wants to replace the monarchy with an elected head of state. It describes a constitutional position rather than a party — British republicans span the political spectrum and are united mainly by their wish to end hereditary rule.

Republicans hold that political power should rest with the people and their elected representatives, not with a hereditary ruler. They value accountability, the idea that a head of state should be chosen on merit, and the principle that public office should not pass down through a single family.