noun
republic
rih-PUB-lik/rɪˈpʌblɪk/
A state governed by its people or their representatives rather than a monarch.
The constitution establishes a republic.
Etymology
Literally a “public affair,” the Latin expression named the commonwealth or state. The selected meaning places governing power with the people through chosen representatives.
In context
Senate was the center of political life in the Roman Republic. And of course we know that in order to be appointed to the Senate, a person first had to be elected to the office of Quaestor by the people.
More examples
- The island became a republic after independence.
- Representatives from several republics attended.
- The debate concerned the future of the republic.
Forms
republic · republics
Similar words
- democracy
- Government by the people, which can also exist under a constitutional monarch.