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sovereignty

SOV-rin-tee /ˈsɒv.rɪn.ti/

nounC1GREUPSCSATGMAT

formalacademiclegal

Supreme power or ultimate authority over a political body or geographic area.

Implies total independence from external interference and supreme authority to govern self and territory.

The story behind the word. Traced to Vulgar Latin superanus, from Latin super ('above'). It evolved through Old French souverainetē. The spelling with '-gnt-' developed in Middle English under mistaken association with words like 'reign'.

Word relationships

autonomy: 'Autonomy' means self-governance within a system, while 'sovereignty' implies supreme, non-subordinate authority.
dominion: 'Dominion' emphasizes control and ownership, whereas 'sovereignty' emphasizes ultimate political authority.

subjugation: State of being under foreign control or domination.
vassalage: Subordinate status under an overriding political power.

Commonly confused with

solvency: 'Solvency' is the financial ability to pay debts, whereas 'sovereignty' is political supreme power.

Word family

sovereign (noun/adjective): A supreme ruler / possessing supreme power

Collocations

tribal sovereignty
national sovereignty
assert sovereignty
infringe on sovereignty

Example sentences

"The accord formally recognized the sovereignty of tribal governments over internal judicial affairs." International relations
"National sovereignty remains a fundamental cornerstone of international law." Political theory

Memory hook

SOVEREIGNty = SUPER REIGN over a territory. Supreme reign above all.

When not to use

Do not confuse with simple local municipal management or delegated administrative authority.

Fun facts

The silent 'g' in sovereignty was added by Renaissance scribes who incorrectly believed the word came from 'reign'.