noun

republicanism

rih-PUB-lik-uh-niz-uhm

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Republicanism (noun) means the political belief that a state should be a republic in which the people hold sovereign power. Example: “Republicanism grew as a political movement in the eighteenth century.”

noun

The political belief that a state should be a republic in which the people hold sovereign power.

"Republicanism grew as a political movement in the eighteenth century."

"She wrote several essays defending republicanism over monarchy."

"Republicanism holds that legitimate power comes from the citizens themselves."

How to use republicanism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe belief that a country should be run as a republic, with power held by its citizens.

When to use it

It's a formal, political term found in history, political science and current affairs writing.

Memory tip

Republicanism names the ideology; a person who holds that belief is a republican.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a strong tradition of republicanism support republicanism republicanism versus monarchy

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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”.

Test yourself on “republicanism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ grew as a political movement in the eighteenth century.

Etymology

Republicanism is formed from the word republican with the ending -ism added, which turns a supporter of an idea into the name of the ideology itself.

Origin: English

Rhymes for republicanism

humanism veganism organism shamanism mechanism hooliganism microorganism vegetarianism utilitarianism authoritarianism

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Frequently asked questions

What does republicanism mean?

It is the political ideology that holds a state should be organised as a republic, with power resting with its citizens.

Is republicanism the same as being anti-monarchist?

The core idea is about popular sovereignty in a republic, though in practice it is often contrasted with support for a monarchy.

How is the word republicanism formed?

It is built from republican plus the suffix -ism, which is used to name political beliefs and movements.

What is the meaning of republicanism?

"republicanism" (noun) means the political belief that a state should be a republic in which the people hold sovereign power.