Word
nationalist
Phoneticsna·tion·al·ist, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnæʃənəɫəst/
UK/nˈæʃənəlˌɪst/
Definitions
01supporter of nationalism
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. someone who loves their country very much and believes it should be independent or more powerful than others.
n. an individual who advocates for the political independence of a particular nation or promotes the interests of one's own nation above others.
“The nationalist spoke about the importance of protecting the country's unique culture and language.”
“The prominent nationalist argued that the country should withdraw from international treaties to regain full control over its domestic policies.”
Usage
Often carries a negative connotation in modern political discourse when associated with exclusion or superiority.
Antonyms
02relating to nationalism
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describing ideas, movements, or feelings that focus on national pride and independence.
adj. relating to or characteristic of nationalism; describing political movements seeking autonomy or asserting national identity.
“The party gained many votes by using nationalist slogans during the election.”
“The rise of nationalist sentiment across the region has complicated efforts to establish a unified economic trade zone.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03South African history
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical
n. a member of the National Party in South Africa during the 1900s.
n. a member or supporter of the National Party in South Africa, specifically during the era of apartheid.
“In history class, we learned about the policies introduced by the nationalists in 1948.”
“The political landscape of mid-century South Africa was dominated by the Nationalists, who implemented the legal framework for racial segregation.”
Teaching tip
This sense is highly specific to South African historical contexts; learners should use the general sense unless discussing 20th-century history.
Real-World Examples
“Far-right parties are polling strongly in all of them, and Europe’s centre fears a continent-wide nationalist wave.” “What the parties do tend to share, however, is an anti-immigration platform and strong nationalist messaging.” “Zohran Mamdani says he opposes a right-wing Hindu nationalist event scheduled for next week at Madison Square Garden.” Etymology
From national + -ist.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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