Definition

Proper noun A sovereign state, officially the Republic of Belarus, located in Eastern Europe. It is a landlocked country that was formerly a constituent republic of the Soviet Union (USSR).

Usage

The word "Belarus" is used as the name of the country. It functions as a singular, proper noun. * Minsk is the capital and largest city of Belarus. * Belarus shares its western border with Poland.* * The history of Belarus in the 20th century is closely tied to the Soviet Union.*

Advanced Usage

• "Of Belarus": This prepositional phrase is used to denote origin, possession, or association with the country.
  • The national flag of Belarus features a red and green horizontal stripe with a decorative pattern on the hoist.
• "In Belarus": Used to indicate location within the country's territory.
  • There are many beautiful forests and lakes in Belarus.

Variants and Related Words

• Belarusian (adjective): Of or relating to Belarus, its people, or their language.
  • She studies Belarusian literature and folklore.
• Belarusian (noun): A native or inhabitant of Belarus; also, the East Slavic language spoken in Belarus.
  • He is a Belarusian from Grodno.
  • She is fluent in Russian and Belarusian.
• Byelorussia: (Historical) The former name for Belarus, commonly used during the Soviet era when it was the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic (Byelorussian SSR).
• White Russia: An older, archaic English translation of the name, reflecting the etymology but not in common modern use for the sovereign state.

Synonyms

• Republic of Belarus: The official full name of the country.
• (Historical) Byelorussian SSR: The official name of the republic when it was part of the Soviet Union.

Related Phrases

• Government of Belarus: Refers to the political leadership and administrative bodies of the state.
• Belarusian economy: Refers to the economic system and activities within the country.

Noun

1. a landlocked republic in eastern Europe; formerly a European soviet