res publica
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of res publica
Literally, “public matter”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
No European settlement, order, empire, commonwealth, res publica, Reich, concert, entente, axis, alliance, coalition or union lasts for ever.
From The Guardian • May 9, 2019
The Romans referred to their new system as res publica, a republic.
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2016
Instead, they established a republic, from the Latin phrase res publica, which means “public affairs.”
From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012
The word took root in Renaissance Europe as an equivalent for the old Roman res publica, i.e., the public good or the common weal.
From Time Magazine Archive
![]()
The res publica, the common weal, the phrase and the thought, meet one at every turn; and never were citizens more patient and tenacious combatants on their country’s behalf.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 8 "Chariot" to "Chatelaine" by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.