Citizen vs. Comrade — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 29, 2024
"Citizen" refers to a legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth, while "comrade" is a term used to express camaraderie or political solidarity, often in socialist contexts.
Difference Between Citizen and Comrade
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A citizen is someone who is legally recognized by a state or government, possessing rights and responsibilities such as voting and abiding by the law. On the other hand, comrade is primarily used as a form of address among equals in a political or social group, particularly in socialist or communist contexts.
The term citizen emphasizes legal status and entitlements within a particular nation-state and its legal framework. Whereas comrade transcends national boundaries, focusing on unity and equality among members of a particular political or ideological group.
Citizenship is obtained through birth, naturalization, or descent and is tied to specific legal rights and obligations. Comrade, however, does not imply any legal status but signifies mutual respect and common goals within a group, often used among peers in military, political, or revolutionary contexts.
The use of citizen is widespread and applies universally in contexts pertaining to civic identity and national belonging. In contrast, comrade is selectively used, depending on ideological affiliation or organizational membership, and is less common in casual or non-political discourse.
While citizen carries no inherent ideological connotations, comrade is heavily laden with associations to socialism and communism, often used to denote a shared struggle or common ideology rather than a legal identity.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A legally recognized national.
A fellow member of a socialist group or a form of address among political allies.
Legal status
Defined by law.
No legal status.
Context
Legal, national.
Political, ideological.
Ideological ties
None specifically.
Strongly tied to socialism and communism.
Usage
Universal in national contexts.
Specific to political or military groups.
Compare with Definitions
Citizen
An inhabitant of a particular town or city.
The citizens of Paris are known for their fashion sense.
Comrade
A fellow member of a socialist or communist party.
Comrades, let us unite for our common cause!
Citizen
A person who legally belongs to a country and has the rights and protection of that country.
She became a citizen of Italy after living there for ten years.
Comrade
A person who shares one’s activities or is a fellow member of an organization.
My comrades at the union stood by me during the strike.
Citizen
A civilian as distinguished from a specialized professional or soldier.
During the war, both soldiers and citizens were affected.
Comrade
Used as a form of address among socialists or communists.
Comrade Smith will lead the meeting today.
Citizen
A legally recognized subject of a state.
As a citizen, you are obliged to pay taxes and obey the laws.
Comrade
A fellow soldier in the same unit.
He saved his comrade during the battle.
Citizen
A participant in a democracy, especially as a voter.
Every citizen over the age of 18 has the right to vote.
Comrade
A term indicating equality and solidarity.
We are all comrades in this fight for justice.
Citizen
A legally recognized subject or national of a state or commonwealth, either native or naturalized
A British citizen
Comrade
The term comrade is used to mean 'mate', 'colleague', or 'ally', and derives from the Spanish and Portuguese, term camarada, literally meaning 'chamber mate', from Latin camera, meaning 'chamber' or 'room'. Political use of the term was inspired by the French Revolution, after which it grew into a form of address between socialists and workers.
Citizen
A person owing loyalty to and entitled by birth or naturalization to the protection of a state or nation.
Comrade
A person who shares one's interests or activities; a friend or companion.
Citizen
A resident of a city or town, especially one entitled to vote and enjoy other privileges there.
Comrade
Often Comrade A fellow member of a group, especially a fellow member of the Communist Party.
Citizen
A civilian.
Comrade
A mate, companion, or associate.
Citizen
A native, inhabitant, or denizen of a particular place
Citizens of rural Utah.
Comrade
A companion in battle; fellow soldier.
Citizen
A resident of a city or town, especially one with legally-recognized rights or duties.
Comrade
(communism) A fellow socialist, communist or other similarly politically aligned person.
Hello, comrade. Are you going to the Communist Party meeting tonight?
Citizen
A legally-recognized member of a state, with associated rights and obligations; a person considered in terms of this role.
I am a Roman citizen.
Comrade
(communism) A non-hierarchical title, functionally similar to "Mr.", "Mrs.", "Miss", "Ms." etc, in a communist or socialist state.
Comrade Lenin inspired our people to undertake great works.
Citizen
An inhabitant or occupant: a member of any place.
Diogenes reckoned himself a citizen of the world.
Comrade
(transitive) To associate with in a friendly way.
Citizen
(Christianity) A resident of the heavenly city or later of the kingdom of God: a Christian; a good Christian.
Comrade
A mate, companion, or associate.
And turned my flying comrades to the charge.
I abjure all roofs, and choose . . . To be a comrade with the wolf and owl.
Citizen
A civilian, as opposed to a police officer, soldier, or member of some other specialized (usually state) group.
Comrade
A person who is frequently in the company of another;
Drinking companions
Comrades in arms
Citizen
(obsolete) An ordinary person, as opposed to nobles and landed gentry on one side and peasants, craftsmen, and laborers on the other.
Comrade
A fellow member of the Communist Party
Citizen
A term of address among French citizens during the French Revolution or towards its supporters elsewhere; dated a term of address among socialists and communists.
Comrade
Used as a term of address for those male persons engaged in the same movement;
Greetings, comrade!
Citizen
(computing) An object.
Citizen
One who enjoys the freedom and privileges of a city; a freeman of a city, as distinguished from a foreigner, or one not entitled to its franchises.
That large body of the working men who were not counted as citizens and had not so much as a vote to serve as an anodyne to their stomachs.
Citizen
An inhabitant of a city; a townsman.
Citizen
A person, native or naturalized, of either sex, who owes allegiance to a government, and is entitled to reciprocal protection from it.
Citizen
One who is domiciled in a country, and who is a citizen, though neither native nor naturalized, in such a sense that he takes his legal status from such country.
Citizen
Having the condition or qualities of a citizen, or of citizens; as, a citizen soldiery.
Citizen
Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of a city; characteristic of citizens; effeminate; luxurious.
I am not well,But not so citizen a wanton asTo seem to die ere sick.
Citizen
A native or naturalized member of a state or other political community
Common Curiosities
Does citizenship imply political participation?
Yes, citizenship often involves rights such as voting which entail political participation.
Is comrade a formal or informal term?
It can be both, but it is formally used within political organizations to denote equality and comradeship.
Can someone be both a citizen and a comrade?
Yes, one can be both a citizen of a country and a comrade in a political or ideological sense.
How does one become a citizen?
By birth, naturalization, or descent, depending on the country’s laws.
What is the difference between a citizen and a comrade?
A citizen is a legal member of a state with specific rights, whereas comrade is a term of solidarity used in socialist contexts.
Who can use the term comrade?
It is commonly used among members of socialist or communist groups to address each other.
Can the term comrade be derogatory?
In non-socialist contexts, it can be seen as derogatory or ironic, especially during the Cold War.
Is there a gender-neutral aspect to comrade?
Yes, comrade is gender-neutral and used to address any member within socialist circles regardless of gender.
How are citizens' rights protected?
Through national laws and international agreements that outline and ensure civil, political, and social rights.
Are there legal responsibilities for a comrade?
No, comrade is not a legal term and carries no legal responsibilities.
What are the implications of losing citizenship?
It can lead to loss of rights such as voting, protection, and residency within the country.
What does it mean to be called a comrade in a political context?
It signifies being part of a shared ideological group or movement, emphasizing equality and solidarity.
Can the term comrade be used globally?
While it can be understood globally, its appropriate use is largely confined to specific political groups or contexts.
How is the term citizen used in legal documents?
As a designation of legal status, rights, and obligations within a state.
What is the historical origin of comrade?
It comes from Spanish "camarada" meaning "roommate" or "chamber mate," used to signify military fellowship or later political solidarity in socialist movements.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
