Word
nationalistic
Phoneticsna·tion·al·is·tic, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ˌnæʃənəˈɫɪstɪk/
UK/nˌæʃənəlˈɪstɪk/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The politician gave a very nationalistic speech yesterday.”
“During the international tournament, the atmosphere became increasingly nationalistic as fans waved flags and sang patriotic anthems.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Often used with a critical tone to suggest that patriotism has become extreme or exclusionary.
Real-World Examples
“The answer lies in Japan’s wartime culture , which emphasized fealty to the emperor above all else, giving rise to a nationalistic, militaristic society .” “The right-wing movements that emerged around the world in the mid-twentieth century were both highly nationalistic and willing to work across borders.” Etymology
From nationalist + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
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.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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/nationalistic