Word
nationalism
Meanings
Strong support for and loyalty to one’s nation, especially by putting national interests first.
A political movement advocating self-government or independence for a nation or ethnic group.
An ideology that defines membership in a nation as central to identity and politics, sometimes excluding those seen as outsiders.
Definition
Nationalism is a strong belief in and support for your nation, often emphasizing its interests and identity.
Nationalism is the idea that a nation’s people, culture, and interests should be prioritized and protected. It often involves pride in national identity and a desire for political unity or independence. Depending on context, it can motivate social solidarity or lead to hostility toward outsiders.
Examples
- In the debate, she argued that nationalism can strengthen social cohesion but also fuel suspicion of outsiders.
- After the empire collapsed, they saw nationalism surge as different regions pushed for self-rule.
- His speech leaned heavily on nationalism, framing every policy choice as a test of loyalty to the country.
- In my history seminar, we examined how nationalism shaped borders and identities across the twentieth century.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse nationalism with patriotism, but nationalism usually implies prioritizing national interests and identity more strongly, sometimes at others’ expense.
More at C1 level
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More nouns
- fascism Fascism is an extreme right-wing political system with a powerful dictator, strong nationalism, and…
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