Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Federation has 5 different meanings across 1 category:
an organization formed by merging several groups or parties
"After years of rivalry, the three rival trade unions finally merged to form a single federation representing millions of workers across the state."
a union of political organizations
"After years of negotiations, the regional labor unions finally agreed to form a federation to negotiate collectively with management."
the act of constituting a political unity out of a number of separate states or colonies or provinces so that each member retains the management of its internal affairs
"The new federation allowed each province to manage its own schools and taxes while remaining part of a single national entity."
Act of joining together into a single political entity.
"The state ratified the federation, officially merging its sovereignty with three neighboring provinces to form a unified nation."
In plain English: A federation is a group of states or regions that join together to form a single country while keeping some of their own power.
"The new sports federation will organize competitions for players from all over the country."
Usage: In everyday usage, a federation refers to a group of states or regions united under a central government while retaining their own individual powers. Use this word to describe countries like the United States or Germany where local autonomy coexists with national authority.
Of an architectural style popular around the time of federation.
"The house's veranda and wide windows are classic features of a property built in the federal architectural style."
"The federation was established to unite the member states under a single legal framework."
Usage: Federation is not used as an adjective in standard English; instead, use the noun phrase "Federation style." This term correctly describes buildings designed in the mid-19th century, particularly those featuring brick construction and wide verandas common in Australia.
The word federation entered English from the French term fédération. It originally derived from the Latin root meaning "to bind by treaty," reflecting its core sense of a union formed through agreement.