unitarism
|u-ni-ta-rism|
🇺🇸
/ˈjuːnɪtərɪzəm/
🇬🇧
/ˈjuːnɪt(ə)rɪz(ə)m/
favoring a single, centralized authority
Etymology
'unitarism' originates from English, formed from 'unitary' + the suffix '-ism', where 'unitary' ultimately traces back to Latin 'unitas' meaning 'oneness' or 'unity'.
'unitarism' developed from Middle English/modern English elements: Latin 'unitas' → Old French/Anglo-French forms (e.g. 'unité') → Middle English 'unity' / adjective 'unitary' → modern English 'unitary' + '-ism' yielding 'unitarism'.
Initially the root referred to 'oneness' or 'unity'; over time this evolved into political senses referring specifically to the idea or system of a single, centralized governing authority ('unitarism').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a political doctrine or principle that favors a unitary state — i.e., a single, centralized sovereign authority — as opposed to federalism.
Debates about constitutional reform often pit unitarism against federalism.
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Noun 2
the practice or system of governing as a unitary state — a political arrangement in which most power is held by the central government rather than by regional or local authorities.
The country's shift toward unitarism reduced the fiscal autonomy of local councils.
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Last updated: 2025/10/18 19:54