1. A political entity:
* A political association of independent states or nations: This is the most common usage today. Think of the Commonwealth of Nations, which is a political association of 54 member states, mostly former British colonies. They share historical ties and cooperate on various issues.
* A self-governing state or country: This meaning is more historical, often used in the names of specific entities like the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or the Commonwealth of Australia. It emphasizes a government based on the consent of the people.
2. A common good or welfare:
* The well-being of a community: This is a less common meaning, but it refers to the shared interests and prosperity of a group of people.
In summary, "commonwealth" generally refers to a group of people sharing a common purpose or interest, whether it's a political association, a geographical region, or a shared sense of responsibility for the collective good.