WordGarden.iocitizenship
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɪtɪzənʃˌɪp/
US
- /ˈsɪtɪzənˌʃɪp/
Meanings
Noun
the legal status of being a citizen of a country or state
responsible membership or participation in a community
Beyond the definition
Citizenship isn't just about being born in a place; it's the full package of rights, responsibilities, and belonging that comes with legally being part of a nation. Think of it like joining a club—you get benefits (like protection under the law and the right to vote) but also have duties (like paying taxes and obeying laws). A story often unfolds when someone seeks citizenship: imagine a refugee fleeing war, working hard for years, learning the language and customs, and finally taking an oath… that's the journey to citizenship. It's more than just a piece of paper; it's about identity and participation in society. In some countries, citizenship can even be taken away in rare cases—most often from naturalized citizens, for serious fraud in the application process or for acts like treason.
Citizenship is the status of being legally recognized as a member of a particular nation-state—whether by birth, naturalization, or descent. It's a complex concept with legal, political, and social dimensions. At its core, citizenship defines who belongs to a country and what rights and responsibilities that entails.
Historically, citizenship was often tied to land ownership or lineage. Today, countries usually define it through some combination of birthplace (jus soli – right of the soil) and parentage (jus sanguinis – right of blood), and many also provide a path through naturalization. Naturalization is the process by which foreign nationals can become citizens after meeting certain requirements like residency, language proficiency, and demonstrated knowledge of the country's history and government.
Citizenship can grant individuals fundamental rights such as the right to vote, protection under the law, and (depending on the country) access to certain public services. However, it also comes with responsibilities—obeying laws, paying taxes, doing jury duty where required, and contributing to the well-being of society.
The meaning of citizenship is constantly evolving. Debates around dual citizenship (holding citizenship in multiple countries), statelessness (not being a citizen of any country), and civic engagement all shape our understanding of what it means to be a responsible and active member of a nation. It's not just about legal status; it's about participation, identity, and the shared values that bind a community together. Think of the story of immigrants building new lives in a foreign land—their pursuit of citizenship is often a testament to their commitment to their adopted home.
Examples
- 1
Immigration
After ten years in the country, she finally applied for citizenship.
- 2
Dual nationality
Her brother has dual citizenship, so he carries two passports.
- Phrasedual citizenship
being a citizen of two countries
- 3
Immigration policy
The new policy offers a faster path to citizenship for permanent residents.
- Phrasea path to citizenship
a way to become a citizen
- 4
Public ceremony
Friends and family came to watch his citizenship ceremony at city hall.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Civic education
The school teaches that citizenship brings both rights and responsibilities.
See also
Similar
- nationality
- citizen status
Shades of meaning
- civic membership
Contrast
- statelessness
- residency
Used with (collocations)
- dual citizenship
- apply for citizenship
- citizenship rights
- citizenship test
Word family
Explore
- immigration status
- naturalization
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- citizenshipnoun