What does republic mean?
A republic is a sovereign state or political community in which government rests with the people and is exercised through representatives rather than a monarch. The word may denote either a particular country, such as the Republic of Ireland, or the broader system of republican government. Republican government can take many forms, including presidential, parliamentary, and semi-presidential systems, and the term does not by itself guarantee democratic practices, equal voting rights, or strong civil liberties. Historically, republics were especially associated with Roman political ideas, although ancient states did not always operate according to modern democratic standards. Today, the word is used widely in international affairs, constitutional law, and political debate. It remains a useful term because it identifies a central question of political legitimacy: whether a state’s authority ultimately derives from its citizens rather than from a hereditary ruler.
nounA sovereign state or political community governed by representatives chosen by its citizens rather than by a monarch. The term can also refer to this form of government.
- A state or political community governed by representatives chosen by citizens rather than by a monarch.
- The form of government in which sovereignty rests with the citizens and government is exercised through their elected representatives.
- A community united by a shared interest or purpose, as in the phrase “republic of letters.”
"The nation became a republic after the monarchy was abolished."
"The country became a republic after the monarchy was abolished."
"She argued that the republic should protect freedom of expression and the independence of the courts."
The standard plural of the noun.
"The two republics signed a mutual defense agreement."
Republic literally means “public thing”: a state understood as belonging to its people rather than to a single ruler.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does republic come from?
The English word entered through Middle English, drawing on Old French republique and ultimately Latin res publica, literally “public thing.” In Roman usage, res publica referred to the affairs of the people and the public or communal good rather than the private interests of a monarch. The English cognates public, publication, and publicity come through the related Latin root publicus, meaning “of the people” or “open to the people.”
Related word forms
How republic is actually used
The word is primarily formal and political. In modern usage, “republic” identifies a form of government rather than guaranteeing that it is democratic: a state officially described as a republic may have limited suffrage, authoritarian institutions, or weak rule of law.
Easily confused with republic
A republic is a form of state in which citizens are represented in government, whereas democracy more specifically emphasizes political participation, equal rights, and popular control.