Soviet
UK: ˈsəʊ.vi.ət | US: ˈsoʊ.vi.ət
n. 1. An elected council in a communist country, especially historical councils in the former USSR.
n. 2. (often capitalized) A citizen of the former Soviet Union.
adj. Relating to the former USSR or its system of government.
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The word "soviet" originates from the Russian "совет" (sovet), meaning "advice" or "council." It stems from the Old Slavic "sъvětъ," combining "sъ-" (with) and "větъ" (agreement or counsel). The term gained political prominence during the 1917 Russian Revolution, when local workers' and soldiers' councils ("soviets") became key governing bodies. Over time, "Soviet" evolved to symbolize the centralized communist system of the USSR, reflecting its foundational role in revolutionary governance.
The local soviet voted to redistribute land to peasants.
Soviet technology advanced rapidly during the Space Race.
Many Soviet citizens experienced food shortages in the 1980s.
The term "soviet democracy" described a hierarchical council system.
After the USSR dissolved, former Soviet republics became independent nations.