federative

American  

[fed-uh-rey-tiv, -er-uh-tiv] / ˈfɛd əˌreɪ tɪv, -ər ə tɪv /

adjective

1. pertaining to or of the nature of a federation.

2. inclined to federate.

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Other Word Forms

• federatively adverb
• unfederative adjective
• unfederatively adverb

Etymology

Origin of federative

First recorded in 1680–90; federate + -ive

Example Sentences

The great political philosopher called it "federative" power.

From BBC • Aug. 27, 2012

It calls for the present union to be reorganized on the basis of a new voluntary contract between the republics and the central authorities, but leaves open the possibility of "diverse forms of federative ties."

From Time Magazine Archive

In current French debate, the phrase "federative status" is a new euphemism for an independent republic of Algeria attached to France only by the same kind of loose ties that hold the British Commonwealth together.

From Time Magazine Archive

"I believe," he said, "the solution lies in a federative status that would leave Algeria largely free of central control and would include a man aging government adapted to the country's own personality."

From Time Magazine Archive

France was united to the Confederation of the Rhine by its laws, by the federative system to the countries of Holland, Switzerland, and Italy; her new relations with Russia were cemented by reciprocal esteem.

From The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte Vol. III. (of IV.) by Sloane, William Milligan