Federal: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：relating to a central government (federal)

federal 🔊

/ˈfɛdərəl/

adj.

Describing a system where a group of states are united under one central government, but each state also keeps some of its own governing power.

Federal government concept illustrated with a map showing central authority over distinct states

relating to a central government 🔊

➕

/rɪˈleɪtɪŋ tuː ə ˈsentrəl ˈɡʌvərnmənt/

adj.

Pertaining to the national government of a federation, which shares sovereignty with constituent states or provinces.

📁 Category：Countries & Government 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'foedus' (treaty, league) via 'foederalis'. Related to 'confederate' and 'federation'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation). It's a national agency, representing the central government's authority across all states.

📖 Example

When applying for student aid, it's important to check both federal and state programs, as they offer different benefits. 🔊 It is crucial to review both national and state-level assistance programs when seeking student financial aid, since their benefits vary.

🔗 Collocations

federal government – the national governing authority of a country with a federal system.

federal law – a statute enacted by the national legislature that applies across the entire country.

federal agency – an administrative organization operating under the authority of the national government.

🔄 Synonyms

national (adj.) – Concerning a nation as a whole; often used interchangeably with 'federal' in contexts like government or policy.

central (adj.) – Relating to the main or most important part of a system, especially a governing authority.

union (adj.) – Pertaining to a whole formed by combining separate states or organizations, emphasizing unity.

🚫 Antonyms

state (adj.) – Relating to the government of an individual constituent region within a federation.

local (adj.) – Concerning a city, town, or small district rather than the entire country or region.

🌱 Derivatives

federation (n.) – A group of states with a central government but independence in internal affairs.

federalism (n.) – The political system or principle of organizing a nation as a federation.

federalize (v.) – To bring under the control or authority of a federal government.

📖 Cultural Story

The word derives from Latin 'foedus', meaning 'covenant' or 'league'. This concept of a binding agreement among parties is foundational to systems like the U.S., formed by states uniting under a central authority while retaining certain powers.