confederationism
|con-fe-der-a-tion-ism|
/kənˌfɛdəˈreɪʃənɪzəm/
support for a loose union of states
Etymology
'confederationism' originates from Medieval/Latin roots, specifically the word 'confederatio', where 'con-/com-' meant 'together' and 'foedus' (via 'feder-') meant 'league' or 'treaty'. The modern English suffix '-ism' was added to indicate a doctrine or system of belief.
'confederationism' developed from the Medieval Latin word 'confederatio', passed into Old French as 'confédération' and later into English as 'confederation'; the English formation added the suffix '-ism' to form 'confederationism' meaning the doctrine related to a confederation.
Initially, related words meant 'a league or union (of states)'; over time the term with the suffix '-ism' came to denote the ideology or advocacy of such a union — i.e., support for organizing polity as a confederation.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the political doctrine or ideology that supports forming or maintaining a confederation — a loose union of sovereign states or groups with a weak central authority.
The party's confederationism appealed to regional leaders who wanted greater autonomy.
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Noun 2
the state or quality of being organized as a confederation; advocacy of governance by a confederative arrangement rather than a strong centralized state.
Historically, confederationism often emerged in regions wary of centralized rule.
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Last updated: 2025/10/22 10:04