nation

[ˈneɪʃən]

nation Definition

  • 1a large group of people who share a common history, culture, language, or ethnicity and who typically form a state or inhabit a territory
  • 2a community of people composed of one or more nationalities and possessing a more or less defined territory and government
  • 3a sovereign state

Using nation: Examples

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

  • Example

    The United States is a nation with a diverse population.

  • Example

    The Cherokee Nation is a federally recognized tribe in the United States.

  • Example

    The nation mourned the loss of its leader.

  • Example

    The nation's economy is growing at a steady pace.

nation Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for nation

Antonyms for nation

Idioms Using nation

  • a person who is experienced and sophisticated in worldly matters

    Example

    He had traveled extensively and was considered a man of the world.

  • a great difference

    Example

    The new paint job made a world of difference in the appearance of the house.

  • referring to countries that are economically underdeveloped and often politically unstable

    Example

    Many third world countries struggle with poverty and lack of access to basic resources.

Phrases with nation

  • the process of constructing or structuring a national identity using the power of the state

    Example

    The government invested heavily in nation building projects to promote unity and patriotism.

  • a sovereign state whose citizens or subjects are relatively homogeneous in factors such as language or common descent

    Example

    Japan is an example of a nation state, where the vast majority of the population shares a common language and cultural heritage.

  • occurring or existing throughout a whole nation

    Example

    The new policy will be implemented nationwide starting next month.

Origins of nation

from Latin 'natio', meaning 'birth, origin, race'

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Summary: nation in Brief

The term 'nation' [ˈneɪʃən] refers to a large group of people who share a common history, culture, language, or ethnicity and who typically form a state or inhabit a territory. It can also refer to a community of people possessing a more or less defined territory and government, or a sovereign state. Phrases like 'nation building' and 'nation state' denote the process of constructing or structuring a national identity using the power of the state. 'Nation' extends into idioms like 'a man of the world,' denoting sophistication, and 'third world,' referring to economically underdeveloped and often politically unstable countries.

How do native speakers use this expression?