What does republican mean?
A republican is someone who believes that government should derive its authority from the people and operate through representatives rather than a monarch. The adjective republican describes a state, political system, principle, or person associated with such government. Republican has long referred broadly to opposition to monarchy and support for constitutional government, including in Britain and continental Europe. In the United States, however, it is also the established name of a major political party, and an uppercase Republican commonly denotes a member or supporter of that party. The word can therefore describe either a general political ideal or a particular partisan affiliation, depending on context and capitalization. It remains useful because it connects everyday political discussion with the older question of whether sovereignty belongs to a monarch, a government, or ultimately the public.
Relating to, supporting, or characteristic of a republic or republican government.
"The council debated whether the new system should remain republican."
The adjective is also used for political parties, candidates, and voters; in a specific party context, capitalization may be required.
A person who supports republican government or belongs to a party associated with republican principles.
"Republican leaders gathered for the annual convention."
In the United States, an uppercase form commonly identifies a member or supporter of the Republican Party.
The plural is used for groups of supporters or, with capitalization, members of the Republican Party.
"The republicans won several seats in the election."
Republican can name a broad political principle or, with a capital R, a member of a major American political party.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does republican come from?
Republican entered English through French républicain, which was derived from the Latin republicanus and ultimately from res publica, a phrase meaning “public affair” or “the public thing.” Its early English uses referred broadly to supporters and institutions of government without a monarch. The modern party sense developed with the emergence of the United States Republican Party in the 19th century.
Related word forms
How republican is actually used
In general political contexts, republican is often lowercase. When referring specifically to the Republican Party in the United States, capitalization is customary. The generic sense is especially common in British and international political vocabulary.
Easily confused with republican
A republican supports republican government, while a democrat is specifically associated with the Democratic Party or democratic political principles more broadly.