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sovereignty

SOV-rin-tee /ˈsɒvrɪnti/

nounC1GRESATTOEFLIELTS

formalpoliticallegal

Supreme power or authority; the authority of a state to govern itself or another state.

Can refer to internal sovereignty (supreme authority within a territory) or external sovereignty (independence from outside control).

The story behind the word. The word 'sovereignty' comes from the Old French 'souveraineté,' which is derived from 'souverain' (sovereign). This 'souverain' itself comes from Vulgar Latin '*superanus,' meaning 'chief' or 'principal,' ultimately from the Latin 'super' (over, above). So, sovereignty literally means having 'supreme' or 'overarching' power and authority.

Word relationships

autonomy: Self-governance, but 'sovereignty' implies supreme, ultimate authority, often at a state level.
independence: Freedom from external control, a key aspect of external sovereignty.

subordination: Being placed in a lower rank or position of less power.

Word family

sovereign (adjective): Possessing supreme or ultimate power; independent.
sovereign (noun): A supreme ruler, especially a monarch.

Collocations

national sovereignty
popular sovereignty
cede sovereignty
violate sovereignty
assert sovereignty

Example sentences

"The newly independent nation proudly asserted its sovereignty on the international stage." Referring to a nation's independence.
"In a democracy, the people are often considered the ultimate source of sovereignty." Discussing the ultimate source of power.

Memory hook

Think of a 'SOVEREIGN' king or queen who has 'OVER'all authority. SOV-REIGN-TY. Sovereign king over.

When not to use

Do not use 'sovereignty' to describe personal autonomy or control over one's own life; it is a term for state or governmental authority.

Fun facts

The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) is often cited as the origin of the modern concept of state sovereignty in international relations.
The concept of 'popular sovereignty' asserts that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.