soviets
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun 1. The government of the Soviet Union: The term refers specifically to the governing bodies and leadership of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). 2. The people representing the Soviet government: It can also refer to the officials, representatives, or the collective leadership speaking or acting on behalf of the Soviet state.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- During the Cold War, the Soviets and the Americans were engaged in a space race.
- The Soviets said they wanted to increase trade with Europe. (This example shows the term used for the government as a speaking entity).
- A delegation from the Soviets arrived for the arms reduction talks.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Geopolitical Context: The word "Soviets" is almost exclusively used in a historical or political context to discuss the period of the USSR (1922–1991). It is typically capitalized.
- "The Soviets" vs. "Soviet": "The Soviets" refers to the government or its agents. The adjective "Soviet" (e.g., Soviet Union, Soviet policy) describes things pertaining to the state itself.
Variants and Related Words
- Soviet (adj): Of or relating to the former USSR, e.g., .
- Soviet (noun, historical): A revolutionary council, especially in Russia pre-1917, or a local governing council in the USSR. This is a different, though related, usage from the capitalized "Soviets".
- USSR: The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the full name of the state.
Synonyms
- The Soviet government
- The Soviet leadership
- The Kremlin (metonym for the Soviet/Russian government)
- Moscow (metonym for the Soviet/Russian government)
Notes on Meaning
This word is a proper noun with a specific historical meaning. It is not used to describe modern Russia or its government. In contemporary discourse, "the Russians" or "the Russian government" would be used instead.
Noun
- the government of the Soviet Union
- the Soviets said they wanted to increase trade with Europe