ENGLISH
REFERENCE

nationalistic

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˌnæʃənəˈɫɪstɪk// UK //nˌæʃənəlˈɪstɪk// na·tion·al·is·tic

adj. having a very strong belief that your own country is better than others. It often describes people who want their nation to be completely independent or powerful.

adj. having or expressing strong, often excessive, devotion to one's own nation. Frequently implies a belief in national superiority or a desire for political independence.


SIMPLE

The politician gave a very nationalistic speech yesterday.

CONTEXTUAL

During the international tournament, the atmosphere became increasingly nationalistic as fans waved flags and sang patriotic anthems.

COMPLEX

Historians argue that the rise of nationalistic sentiment in the late nineteenth century fundamentally altered the balance of power in Europe, leading to several major conflicts.

Synonyms
Origin

From nationalist + -ic.

Usage

Often used with a critical tone to suggest that patriotism has become extreme or exclusionary.

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