Federal

Definition

Federal pertains to a form of government or country in which power is divided between one central and several regional authorities.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɛdərəl/ or /ˈfɛdrəl/
• Respelling: FED-er-uhl (with "FED" as in "bed," "er" as in "her," and "uhl" as in "muddle")or
• Respelling: FED-ruhl (with "FED" as in "bed" and "ruhl" as in "muddle")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɛdərəl/ or /ˈfɛdrəl/
• Respelling: FED-er-uhl (with "FED" as in "bed," "er" as in "her," and "uhl" as in "muddle")or
• Respelling: FED-ruhl (with "FED" as in "bed" and "ruhl" as in "muddle")

In both dialects, "federal" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "FED." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, with slight variations depending on whether the middle syllable is more fully pronounced ("FED-er-uhl") or more condensed ("FED-ruhl").

Etymology

The term "federal" is derived from the Latin word "foedus," meaning "league" or "treaty." This Latin root influenced the development of the word in Late Latin as "foederalis," meaning "pertaining to a treaty." It entered English in the 17th century to describe systems of government or agreements based on a union of states or groups.

Derivatives

• Federalism (noun)
• Federalist (noun/adjective)
• Federalize (verb)
• Federally (adverb)
• Federalization (noun)

Synonyms

• Unionist
• National
• Confederate

Antonyms

• State
• Local
• Provincial

Usage

"Federal" is commonly used in political and governmental contexts to describe systems, structures, laws, or institutions that operate at a national level, particularly in countries with a federal system of governance. It can refer to the federal government itself or to laws, agencies, and policies that are under the jurisdiction of that government.

Related Terms

• Confederation: An organization consisting of a number of parties or groups united in an alliance or league.
• Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself or another state.
• Decentralization: The transfer of authority from central to local government.

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Relating to a Union of States: Refers to a form of government in which several states or regions unite under a central authority while retaining certain powers of self-government.
  • Example: The United States has a federal system of government, where power is shared between the national government and the states.

• Connected to a Federal Government: Describes anything that is part of, related to, or governed by a federal government.
  • Example: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is a federal agency responsible for law enforcement across the entire country.

Noun (Less Common)

• Proponent of Federal Government: A person who advocates for or supports the principles of federalism, particularly in political contexts.
  • Example: During the early years of the United States, the Federalists were a group that supported the ratification of the Constitution and a stronger federal government.