statehood
UK: ˈsteɪthʊd | US: ˈsteɪtˌhʊd
n. the status of being an independent nation or state
n. the condition or quality of being a state within a federal system
The word "statehood" combines "state," derived from Latin status (meaning "condition" or "position"), with the suffix "-hood," from Old English -hād (denoting a state or condition). The term emerged in the early 19th century to describe the legal and political status of a territory achieving recognition as a sovereign state or a member of a federation. The suffix "-hood" is commonly used to form abstract nouns indicating a state or quality (e.g., "childhood," "neighborhood").
Hawaii achieved statehood in 1959, becoming the 50th U.S. state.
The region's push for statehood has been a topic of political debate for decades.
Statehood grants a territory full representation in the federal government.
Many colonies sought statehood after gaining independence from colonial powers.
The island's unique culture influenced its delayed pursuit of statehood.