What is the difference between a state and a commonwealth?

The terms "state" and "commonwealth" can sometimes be used interchangeably, but there are nuanced differences between the two:

1. State: In a political context, a state is an organized political community living under a government. In the context of countries like the United States, Canada, or Australia, states are constituent political entities that form a larger federal government. For instance, in the United States, each of the 50 states has its own government and specific powers, while they also adhere to the federal government's authority.

2. Commonwealth: A commonwealth, in a political sense, can refer to a political community founded for the common good or a group of countries or states that have a shared interest or goal. Some countries, like Australia and Puerto Rico, use the term "commonwealth" in their official names. For example, the Commonwealth of Australia refers to the entire country, which is made up of states and territories. In other cases, such as the Commonwealth of Nations, it refers to a voluntary association of independent sovereign states, most of which were former territories of the British Empire, working together towards common goals despite their differences.

Essentially, while both terms often refer to political entities, "state" commonly denotes a specific political division within a larger country or a sovereign political entity, while "commonwealth" can refer to a political entity or an association of states or countries working together for common interests