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souveraineté
/su.vɛ.ʁɛ̃.te/
sovereignty
La souveraineté nationale est un principe fondamental en droit international.
National sovereignty is a fundamental principle in international law.
Law
formal
The supreme authority of a state over its territory, population, and government, free from external control.
La France exerce sa souveraineté sur ses territoires d'outre-mer.
France exercises its sovereignty over its overseas territories.
In international law, sovereignty is a key concept in the relationship between states.
politics
The quality or state of being self-governing or independent.
Les mouvements indépendantistes réclament la souveraineté de leur région.
Independence movements demand sovereignty for their region.
Often used in discussions about national independence or autonomy.
Collocations
souveraineté nationalenational sovereigntysouveraineté alimentairefood sovereigntysouveraineté numériquedigital sovereignty
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
'Souveraineté' is often used in legal and political contexts. In everyday speech, 'indépendance' is more common.
Gold Rule
Legal vs. Political Use
In legal contexts, 'souveraineté' refers to a state's supreme authority. In politics, it can mean self-governance or autonomy.
Word Origin
From Old French 'sovraineté', from 'sovrain' (sovereign) + '-eté' (suffix indicating state or quality). Derived from Latin 'superanus' (upper, supreme).
Usage Notes
In modern usage, 'souveraineté' can refer to political, economic, or digital autonomy, not just traditional state sovereignty.
Word Breakdown
souverain
sovereign, supreme
root-eté
state or quality of
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