Republican

Republican

Adjective / Noun · /rɪˈpʌblɪkən/ · of, relating to, or supporting a republic; a member or supporter of a republican form of government

Definition

Republican describes anything relating to a republic — a system of government in which power belongs to elected representatives rather than a monarch. As a noun, a republican is a person who believes in or supports such a system. In the United States context, Republican (capital R) refers specifically to a member of the Republican Party. The two meanings — political philosophy and party membership — are distinct but historically connected.

Origin

From Latin res publica — the public thing or public affair. The word entered English in the late 17th century as republics emerged as an alternative to monarchy. The adjective republican described the principles; the noun republican described the person. The American Republican Party adopted the name in 1854, linking its identity to the founding ideal of a republic governed by elected citizens.