federative
|fed-er-a-tive|
🇺🇸
/ˈfɛdərəˌtɪv/
🇬🇧
/ˈfɛd(ə)rətɪv/
relating to forming a union of self-governing units
Etymology
'federative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'foederare' (from 'foedus, foeder-'), where 'foedus' meant 'treaty, league, compact'.
'foedus' and the verb 'foederare' gave Late Latin 'foederativus', which passed through French 'fédératif' and eventually became the modern English word 'federative'.
Initially, it meant 'pertaining to a treaty or alliance', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'relating to a federation or forming a union of semi-autonomous units'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to a federation or to the federal principle; having the character of a union of partially self-governing units under a central authority.
The new constitution outlines a federative structure balancing regional autonomy with national cohesion.
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Adjective 2
tending or designed to form a federation; promoting union among separate states or organizations.
Leaders proposed a federative arrangement among the provinces to reduce tensions.
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Last updated: 2025/08/11 20:30