commonwealth
commonwealth Lexical Profile
commonwealth Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An international association or federation of autonomous states united by shared history or allegiance, especially the Commonwealth of Nations comprising the United Kingdom and many of its former dependencies.
"Leaders from across the commonwealth gathered in London to discuss trade agreements and climate policy."
An independent country or community, especially a democratic republic founded for the common good of its citizens.
"The philosophical treatise outlines the laws necessary to govern a just and prosperous commonwealth."
American A political unit having local autonomy but voluntarily united with the United States, or the official designation of certain US states (specifically Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia).
"She practiced law in the commonwealth of Virginia for over twenty years before retiring."
The general welfare or public good of a society (now chiefly historical or formal).
"Early civic reformers argued that universal education was essential to the advancement of the commonwealth."
Word Nuance & Usage
In the United States, 'commonwealth' is the official title of four states (Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) and two territories (Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands), though the term carries no legal distinction from a standard state.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originating in the late 15th century as 'common weal', meaning 'public welfare' or 'general good', the second element was later altered to 'wealth' from Old English 'wela' (well-being) plus the suffix '-th'. It was popularized in the 16th and 17th centuries as an English translation of the Latin 'res publica' (republic).