Citizen Meaning

Citizen Definition & Usage
A legal member of a nation or state, typically having rights and duties associated with that membership.
Examples
- "She has been a citizen of France for over a decade."
- "Only citizens can vote in the national elections."
- "He was born a citizen of the United States."
- "Many refugees are still waiting for their citizenship applications to be processed."
- "As a citizen, it is her responsibility to follow the law and contribute to the community."
An inhabitant or resident of a particular place, especially in the context of a city or town.
Examples
- "The citizens of New York came out in full force to support the parade."
- "Local citizens protested against the new zoning laws."
- "The citizens of the small town were united in their efforts to save the library."
- "Citizens in rural areas often have different priorities than those in urban centers."
- "The mayor's speech was well received by the citizens of the community."
A person who is actively engaged in the life and activities of their community or nation, often implying a sense of civic responsibility.
Examples
- "The organization is dedicated to creating informed and active citizens."
- "Being a good citizen involves voting and participating in local events."
- "Citizenship education encourages people to be responsible stewards of their country."
- "She was praised as a model citizen for her volunteer work in the community."
- "Citizens of the city have banded together to clean up the local park."
Cultural Context
The term 'citizen' originates from the Latin word 'civis', meaning a member of a city or state. Historically, citizenship was often limited to a privileged group, such as landowners or free men, but over time it has expanded to include all legal residents of a country. In modern times, being a citizen is linked not just to legal rights like voting and property ownership but also to responsibilities such as taxation, jury duty, and civic engagement.
The Right to Belong
Story
The Right to Belong
In the heart of a bustling city, Amara had always felt like an outsider, even though she was a citizen by all legal standards. Her journey to truly embrace her identity as a citizen of the country began when she attended a local town meeting for the first time. The mayor had been speaking about the importance of civic responsibility when she realized how little she had engaged with her community. Inspired, Amara decided to take action. She volunteered for the local food bank, became active in a neighborhood clean-up program, and started attending more city council meetings. Over time, Amara found herself not only gaining respect as a citizen but also beginning to feel a deep sense of belonging. One day, as she was helping organize a charity event, an elderly woman approached her and said, 'You know, it's not just about the rights we have as citizens. It's about the responsibility we carry. You're a true citizen of this city now, Amara.' These words stayed with her, and she realized that being a citizen wasn’t just about paperwork. It was about taking pride in her community, standing up for her values, and contributing in meaningful ways. Amara’s story was a reminder that citizenship was a privilege, but also a duty, one that should never be taken for granted.

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