Word

chauvinism

noun C1

UK /ˈʃəʊ.vɪ.nɪ.zəm/

US /ˈʃoʊ.vɪˌnɪzəm/

Meanings

noun

an exaggerated belief that one’s own group (such as a nation or gender) is superior and should dominate

noun

strong, uncritical patriotism that promotes one’s country as inherently better than others

Definition

Chauvinism is the belief that your own group is superior and should dominate others.

Chauvinism is an exaggerated, often aggressive belief that one’s own group is better than others. It commonly appears as nationalism or sexism, where people treat outsiders or another gender as less capable or less deserving of respect. In practice, it shows up in language, attitudes, and decisions that exclude, belittle, or control others.

Examples

I challenged the chauvinism in our discussion because it reduced complex issues to crude stereotypes.
You can hear chauvinism in the way he dismisses other teams as naturally inferior before the match even starts.
He recognized the chauvinism behind his earlier comments and apologised in front of the group.
She refused to tolerate chauvinism at work, especially when it shaped who got credit for shared projects.
They confronted the chauvinism in the campaign by highlighting how it excluded entire communities from the conversation.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse chauvinism with simple pride, but chauvinism implies superiority and contempt for others.