republicanist
|re-pub-li-can-ist|
/rɪˈpʌblɪkənɪst/
supporter of a republic
Etymology
'republicanist' originates from Modern English, specifically the word 'republican' plus the suffix '-ist', where 'republican' ultimately comes from Latin 'res publica' meaning 'public thing/state'.
'republican' entered English via Middle French 'républicain' from Latin 'res publica'; English formed the agent noun 'republicanist' in early modern usage (17th–18th centuries) to denote supporters or advocates, and it has been used in political and historical writings since then.
Initially it meant 'an advocate of a republic or of republican government (often opposing monarchy)'; over time the core meaning has remained similar, though the term is relatively rare in modern everyday use and in some contexts 'Republican' (capitalized) refers specifically to a member of the U.S. Republican Party, which is a different usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a supporter or advocate of a republic or of republicanism; someone who opposes monarchy.
She described herself as a republicanist who favored abolishing the monarchy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
an adherent of civic or political republicanism — historically used for political theorists or activists who emphasized civic virtue, the common good, and opposition to concentrated monarchical power.
Many 17th-century political writers were republicanists arguing for civic liberty.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/13 01:24