commonwealth

[ˈkɒmənwelθ]

commonwealth Definition

  • 1a group of countries, states, or territories that are politically linked together and share the same government
  • 2a political unit having local autonomy but voluntarily united with the US
  • 3a nation, state, or other political entity founded on law and united by a compact of the people for the common good

Using commonwealth: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "commonwealth" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The Commonwealth of Nations is an organization of 54 member states, mostly former territories of the British Empire.

  • Example

    Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth in association with the United States.

  • Example

    The Commonwealth of Virginia was one of the original 13 colonies that formed the United States.

commonwealth Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for commonwealth

Antonyms for commonwealth

Phrases with commonwealth

  • a political association of 54 member states, nearly all former territories of the British Empire

    Example

    The Commonwealth Games is a multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth.

  • a regional intergovernmental organization of nine members, formed during the dissolution of the Soviet Union

    Example

    The Commonwealth of Independent States was created in December 1991.

  • a sovereign state within the Commonwealth of Nations that has the British monarch as its head of state

    Example

    Canada is a Commonwealth realm, with Queen Elizabeth II as its monarch.

Origins of commonwealth

from Middle English 'commune welthe', meaning 'public welfare'

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Summary: commonwealth in Brief

The term 'commonwealth' [ˈkɒmənwelθ] refers to a group of countries, states, or territories that are politically linked together and share the same government. It can also refer to a political unit having local autonomy but voluntarily united with the US, or a nation, state, or other political entity founded on law and united by a compact of the people for the common good. Examples include the Commonwealth of Nations, Puerto Rico, and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

How do native speakers use this expression?