Definitions
01extreme patriotism
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Academic
n. a strong feeling of pride in your country, often with the belief that it is better or more important than other countries.
n. an ideology emphasizing loyalty and devotion to a nation-state, often characterized by a sense of superiority over other nations.
“The rise of aggressive nationalism led to increased tension between the two neighboring countries.”
“Historians often debate whether the nationalism of the nineteenth century was a primary catalyst for the eventual outbreak of global conflict.”
Usage
Often used with a negative connotation when it implies hostility toward other nations.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02desire for independence
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Academic
n. the desire by a group of people who share the same language or culture to form their own independent country.
n. advocacy for or the pursuit of political independence for a particular nation or ethnic group currently under foreign or imperial rule.
“Scottish nationalism has become a major topic in British politics over the last few decades.”
“The movement was fueled by a growing sense of nationalism among the local population, who sought to end centuries of colonial administration.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03Irish unification
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun British English · Dialect
n. in Ireland, the belief that Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland should be one single country.
n. the political movement or belief advocating for the unification of the island of Ireland into a single sovereign state.
“He grew up in a family with a long history of involvement in Irish nationalism.”
“The peace process required careful negotiation between those who supported Irish nationalism and those who wished to remain part of the United Kingdom.”
Teaching tip
In the context of Northern Ireland, 'nationalism' is specifically contrasted with 'unionism' or 'loyalism'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“And he reminds us that the aggressive privatisation of the Russian economy in the 1990s brought terrible economic hardship which ultimately fuelled Putin’s revanchist nationalism.” “Japan offered Italian Fascists a powerful example of how ancient traditions could serve modern nationalism.” “Patrick Aventurier/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images The armed conflict officially ended with the signing of the 2005 Helsinki agreement, but it did not make Acehnese nationalism disappear.” “Outside the complex, socialist governments become increasingly pro-business, Indira Gandhi is assassinated and Hindu nationalism rises.” Etymology
Borrowed from French nationalisme, equivalent to national + -ism.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/nationalism
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0