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

1. the government of the Soviet Union
   • the Soviets said they wanted to increase trade with Europe