Confederate Meaning and Definition
Confederate
Pronunciation
/kənˈfɛdərət/
Part of Speech
Noun, Adjective
Definition
A Confederate is a person or entity that is part of an alliance or a member of a group formed by agreement, especially one formed for military or political purposes. In the United States, it typically refers to the states that formed the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War.
Examples
1. “The Confederate army faced the Union forces in the Battle of Gettysburg.”
2. “The Confederate states sought to assert their independence and defend their way of life.”
Synonyms
1. Rebel
2. Secessionist
Antonyms
1. Loyalist
2. Federalist
Additional Information
The term “Confederate” has a complex and contested history, often associated with the legacy of slavery and racism in the United States. The Confederate States of America was formed in 1861 by 11 Southern states that seceded from the Union, leading to the American Civil War. Today, the term is often used to evoke a sense of Southern identity and pride, but it is also a source of controversy and division.
The Confederate States of America was formed by the Southern states that sought to assert their independence and preserve their way of life, which included the institution of slavery. The Confederacy was ultimately defeated in the Civil War, and the abolition of slavery was a major outcome of the conflict. However, the legacy of the Confederacy continues to be felt in American society, with ongoing debates about the role of Confederate symbols and monuments.
Etymology
The term “Confederate” comes from the Latin “confoederare,” meaning “to unite” or “to bind together.” It has been used in English since the 15th century to describe an alliance or a group formed by agreement.
Usage Notes
The term “Confederate” can be used as a noun to refer to a person or entity that is part of an alliance or a member of a group formed by agreement. It can also be used as an adjective to describe something related to the Confederacy or the Confederate States of America.
Cultural References
The term “Confederate” has appeared in numerous films, books, and songs, often as a symbol of the American South or the Civil War. It has been used in titles such as “Gone with the Wind” and “The Confederacy,” and in songs like “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Confederate flag” – a symbol of the Confederacy
2. “Confederate money” – a type of currency used by the Confederacy
Collocations
1. Confederate army
2. Confederate states
3. Confederate government
Frequency of Use
The term “Confederate” is relatively common in American English, particularly in historical and cultural contexts. According to the Google Ngram Viewer, the term has been in use since the mid-19th century, with a significant spike in usage during the Civil War era.
Common Misspellings
1. Confederat
2. Conferderate
3. Confedurate