power-sharing
UK[ˈpaʊə ˌʃeərɪŋ]US[ˈpaʊər ˌʃerɪŋ]
n
A political arrangement in which different groups, especially those who are in conflict or who represent different communities, agree to share responsibility for governing.
Morpheme Breakdown
power
sharing
power
authority, control, or ability to act.
sharing
the act of dividing and distributing.
Etymology
The compound noun "power-sharing" is a modern political term constructed from two native English elements. The first element, "power," traces its lineage to the Latin verb posse ("to be able"), which embodies the concept of capacity and control. The second element, "sharing," originates from the Old English scearu, meaning "a cutting" or "division," reflecting the concrete act of partitioning. When combined in the late 20th century, these morphemes create a transparent metaphor: the abstract "power" (authority to govern) is treated like a tangible resource to be "shared" (divided and distributed), specifically to mitigate conflict in divided societies. This logical construction directly conveys its purpose—a system where governing authority is deliberately allocated among rival groups.
Analysis
Structure: power + sharing
- power: From Middle English pouer, power, from Anglo-Norman poer, pouer, from Vulgar Latin potēre, from Latin posse ("to be able"). In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning "authority, control, or ability to act."
- sharing: From the verb share, from Middle English sharen, from Old English scearu ("a cutting, division"), related to scieran ("to cut"). The suffix -ing forms a verbal noun (gerund). In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning "the act of dividing and distributing."
Examples
The peace agreement included a provision for power-sharing between the two main ethnic groups.
Critics argue that the power-sharing arrangement has led to political gridlock.
Successful power-sharing requires compromise and constant dialogue from all parties involved.