noun

commonwealth

commonwealth, federation, republic

Australia is a member of the Commonwealth.

Australia is a member of the Commonwealth.

The aim is to promote the common wealth of all people.

The aim is to promote the common wealth of all people.

((the Commonwealth)) a group of countries including the UK and some of its former colonies Australia is a member of the Commonwealth.

Synonyms: federation, confederation, republic

From 'common' (shared) and 'wealth' (well-being, prosperity). It originally meant 'public well-being'.

Think of it literally as the 'common wealth' or shared well-being of a group of nations. The Commonwealth of Nations is the most famous example.

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