Republican

/rɪˈpʌblɪkən/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

3 meanings
1

A person who supports the political principles of the Republican Party.

/rɪˈpʌblɪkən/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A member or supporter of the Republican Party, a major political party in the United States.

The Republican caucus voted on the new bill.

💡 Simply: Imagine a team in a political game. If someone's a 'republican,' they're on the side that usually has an elephant as their mascot in the US.

👶 For kids: Someone who likes the Republican Party, like a team that has an elephant for their mascot.

More Examples

2

She's a registered Republican and supports the party's platform.

3

The senator is a long-time Republican with a strong base of support.

How It's Used

Politics

"The Republican Party nominated their candidate for the presidential election."

2

Of or relating to the Republican Party.

/rɪˈpʌblɪkən/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
General

Relating to or denoting the Republican Party.

The Republican candidate gave a speech.

💡 Simply: Imagine a party that has an elephant as its symbol. If something's 'republican,' it has to do with their ideas or actions.

👶 For kids: Something about the Republican Party, like the rules they follow.

More Examples

2

The Republican ideals of limited government are central to their policies.

3

The Republican Party is known for its focus on fiscal conservatism.

How It's Used

Politics

"The Republican platform focuses on lower taxes."

Tip:Think of the party's elephant and their political stances.
3

Relating to a republic; favoring a republican form of government.

/rɪˈpʌblɪkən/

adjectiveneutralmedium
General

Advocating or supporting a republic as the form of government.

The new constitution established a republican government.

💡 Simply: If someone is 'republican' in this sense, they like the idea of a country where people vote for their leaders.

👶 For kids: Something about a country where the people vote for their leaders.

More Examples

2

The country's founders were influenced by republican principles.

3

The republican movement aimed to overthrow the monarchy.

How It's Used

Political Theory

"Republican ideals emphasize civic virtue."

Tip:Think of 'republic' and the people's rule.

Idioms & expressions

Republican Party

The major political party in the United States, often associated with conservative policies.

"The Republican Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States."

From French républicain, from république (“republic”), from Latin res publica (“public affair”). The term gained significant political meaning in the late 18th century, particularly during the French Revolution and the rise of republicanism.

The term 'republican' was originally used to describe those who opposed monarchies, gaining prominence during the American and French Revolutions. The Republican Party in the US was founded in the 1850s.

Memory tip

Think of the elephant, the Republican Party's symbol.

republicanismrepublicians

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written