Confederation
/ˌkɒn.fəˈdeə.rə.ʃən/noun
A union of states, groups, or people formed for a common purpose, usually with limited central power.
Did you know?Its core Latin root, *foedus*, meant a treaty or pact—so hidden inside the word is the ancient idea that power begins with a sworn bond, not a throne.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰeydʰ-
“to trust, persuade, or make believe”
Latin
Latin
foedus
“treaty, compact, alliance”
Latin
Latin
confœderāre
“to unite by treaty; to league together”
Late Latin
Latin
confœderātiō
“an alliance or league”
Middle French
French
confédération
“a confederation, alliance”
Modern English
English
confederation
“a union of states or groups formed for a common purpose”