'republic' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'res publica', where 'res' meant 'thing' and 'publica' meant 'public'.

'res publica' transformed into the Old French word 'republique', and eventually became the modern English word 'republic' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'public affair', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives'.