Word
commonwealth
Phoneticscom·mon·wealth, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɑmənˌwɛɫθ/
UK/kˈɒmənwˌɛlθ/
Definitions
01the Commonwealth of Nations
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. an international group of 56 countries, most of which were once part of the British Empire.
n. The Commonwealth of Nations, a voluntary association of independent sovereign states, mostly former territories of the British Empire.
“Leaders from across the Commonwealth met in London to discuss climate change.”
“The Commonwealth Games are held every four years, fostering athletic competition among member states while celebrating their shared historical ties.”
Synonyms
02the English Commonwealth
C1 · Advanced Countable noun History Technical
n. the period in the 17th century when England was a republic and did not have a king or queen.
n. The period from 1649 to 1660 when England, and later Scotland and Ireland, were governed as a republic after the execution of Charles I.
“Students are studying the rise of Oliver Cromwell during the Commonwealth.”
“The establishment of the Commonwealth marked a radical departure from traditional monarchical rule, though it eventually transitioned into a military protectorate.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage
Usually capitalised when referring to the specific association of nations or a specific state like the Commonwealth of Australia.
Real-World Examples
“Those shifted from the scheme are expected to be supported by programs run by states and territories with joint funding from the Commonwealth.” “A teenager who has spent the summer making history as Jersey's first Commonwealth Games medalist in 36 years delayed opening his A-level results to concentrate on winning another gold medal.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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