Word
nation
Phoneticsna·tion, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈneɪʃən/
UK/nˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01a people or country
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a large group of people who share a history, language, or culture, usually living under one government.
n. a stable community of people formed on the basis of a common language, territory, history, or ethnicity, often manifesting in a sovereign state.
Español:estado
“The president addressed the nation on television to explain the new laws.”
“The treaty was designed to foster cooperation between the two nations after decades of border disputes and economic competition.”
02Indigenous people
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Law
n. a group of Indigenous people, especially in North America, who have their own government or territory.
n. a community of Indigenous people, particularly in North America, recognized as a distinct political or ethnic entity with specific rights or territory.
Español:nación
“The Navajo Nation has its own judicial system and government offices.”
“The legislation recognizes the inherent sovereignty of the First Nations to manage their natural resources and educational programs.”
03a large group
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Humorous · Informal
n. a very large number of people who share a specific interest or job.
n. a large collective of people associated by a common interest, profession, or characteristic.
Español:nación
“The entire nation of dog lovers seemed to be at the park that morning.”
“The author's latest novel was eagerly anticipated by the vast nation of fantasy enthusiasts worldwide.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “nation” in context.
Verb
01. build nation
“The new government is working hard to build a modern, democratic nation.”
verb + noun
02. govern nation
“It is difficult to govern a nation with such diverse cultural backgrounds.”
verb + noun
03. nation mourns
“The nation mourns the loss of its former president.”
noun + verb
Adjective
04. developing nation
“The charity provides medical supplies to several developing nations in Africa.”
adj + noun
05. independent nation
“The country became an independent nation after the treaty was signed.”
adj + noun
06. industrialized nation
“Wealthy industrialized nations must lead the way in reducing carbon emissions.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. birth of nation
“The festival celebrates the birth of the nation two centuries ago.”
noun + prep + noun
08. nation to decide
09. a community of nations
“We must work together as a community of nations to solve global warming.”
10. across the nation
“Protests have broken out in cities across the nation.”
11. address the nation
“The Prime Minister will address the nation on television tonight.”
12. developed nation
Etymology
From Middle English nacioun, nacion, from Old French nacion, from Latin nātiōnem, accusative of nātiō (“nation”). Displaced native Old English þēod.
Short for damnation or tarnation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/nation
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0