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sovereignty

SOV-rin-tee /ˈsɒvrənti/

nounC1GRETOEFLIELTS

formalpoliticallegal

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

In international law, it refers to the full right and power of a governing body over itself, without any interference from outside sources or bodies. It's a cornerstone of the international system.

The story behind the word. The word 'sovereignty' comes from the Old French 'souveraineté', which itself derives from 'souverain'. This traces back to the Latin 'superanus', meaning 'chief, principal', from 'super' (above). The idea is of a power that is 'above' all others within its domain, holding ultimate authority.

Word relationships

autonomy: Autonomy is self-governance, often within a larger entity (e.g., a region within a country), while sovereignty implies ultimate, independent authority of a state.
independence: Independence is the state of being free from external control, a key aspect of sovereignty.
supremacy: Supremacy refers to being superior in power or authority, a characteristic of sovereignty.

subordination: Being placed in a lower rank or under the control of another.
vassalage: A state of dependence or subservience.

Commonly confused with

autonomy: Sovereignty is the ultimate, independent authority of a state; autonomy is self-governance, often granted to a region or group within a larger sovereign entity.

Word family

sovereign (adjective): Possessing supreme or ultimate power; (as a noun) a supreme ruler.

Collocations

national sovereignty
state sovereignty
preserve sovereignty
violate sovereignty
popular sovereignty

Example sentences

"The principle of national sovereignty dictates that no country has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of another sovereign state." International law.
"After gaining independence, the new nation fiercely defended its sovereignty against any external threats." Historical context.

Memory hook

Think of a 'sovereign' king or queen who has 'supreme' (above all) power over their land. Supreme Power

When not to use

Do not use 'sovereignty' for individual autonomy or minor decision-making; it refers to the ultimate political authority of a state or ruler.

Fun facts

The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) is often cited as the origin of the modern concept of state sovereignty in international law.