Words / B2

FED-uh-r-uh-l/ˈfedərəl/

Federal describes a system with a central government and states or regions: federal spending; a federal republic. Central is looser. In UK essays, contrast federal systems with the UK’s devolved (not fully federal) model. The paper compared federal spending with devolved NHS budgets. Do not call a county council federal.

Meaning

Relating to a central government that shares power with states or regions.

Examples

• “The paper compared federal spending with devolved NHS budgets.”
• “Federal agents is US news English, which UK papers still use for US stories.”

Good to know

federal government / spending / law. Contrast: unitary / devolved. US and EU politics papers. Not an English county. Noun cousin: federation.

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