sovereignty
SOV-rin-tee
/ˈsɒv.rɪn.ti/
Supreme power or ultimate authority over a political entity or state, free from external control.
Refers both to external independence from foreign powers and internal supreme authority over a territory.
The story behind the word. From Old French 'soverainete', based on Vulgar Latin 'superanus' (supreme), from classical Latin 'super' (above). French political theorist Jean Bodin formalized the concept in 1576 to define modern state power.
Word relationships
- autonomy: 'Autonomy' means self-governance or independence, whereas 'sovereignty' emphasizes supreme political authority over a defined realm.
- dominion: Focuses on territorial control or ownership, while 'sovereignty' focuses on ultimate political authority.
- subjection: The state of being under the control or authority of another power.
- subordination: Lower placement in rank or authority under a higher power.
Commonly confused with
- hegemony: Sovereignty is legitimate supreme political authority; hegemony is coercive dominant influence over others.
Word family
- sovereign (noun / adjective): A supreme ruler; possessing supreme power.
Collocations
- national sovereignty
- popular sovereignty
- infringe on sovereignty
- assert sovereignty
Example sentences
- "The treaty sparked heated debates regarding national sovereignty and supranational governance." Political Science
- "Popular sovereignty holds that the authority of a state is created and sustained by the consent of its people." Constitutional Law
Memory hook
A SOVEREIGN reigns SUPREME (super) over their realm with complete SOVEREIGNTY. Supreme authority over a domain.
When not to use
Do not use to mean simple leadership or management; it specifically means supreme, final governing power.
Fun facts
- The Peace of Westphalia in 1648 is historically credited with establishing the modern international system of sovereign nation-states.
Related words
Explore more words
sovereign, self-governing, autonomous, autonomy, independent, supremacy
Also appears in
- Leadership → Power & Dominance
- Law → Legal Systems & Constitutions
- Law → International Law & Treaties
- Political Science & Governance → Geopolitics & International Relations
- Demographics & Urban Studies → Indigenous Populations
- Military Science & Warfare → Peacekeeping & UN Interventions
- Military Science & Warfare → Naval Warfare & Maritime Security
- Political Science & Governance → Regionalism & Decentralization
- Political Science & Governance → Secession & Separatism
- Political Science & Governance → Federalism vs Unitary States
- Sociology & Social Anthropology → Tribal Communities & Integration
- Occasions, Holidays & Parties → National Independence Days
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