# populist

/ˈpɑpjəɫəst/ (US) · /pˈɒpjʊlˌɪst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/populist
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. appealing to ordinary people

adjective · CEFR B2 · Academic

describing a style of politics that claims to support ordinary people against a powerful or wealthy group.

For teachers: relating to a political approach that purports to represent the interests of the common people in opposition to a perceived elite.

- The candidate used populist language to win the support of workers who felt ignored by the government.
- The rise of populist movements across the continent has challenged the traditional dominance of centrist political parties.

Usage: Often used in political journalism to describe rhetoric that simplifies complex issues into a 'people vs. elite' narrative.

### 2. designed for popularity

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

describing an idea or policy that is chosen only because it will be popular with many people, even if it is not a good plan.

For teachers: denoting policies or rhetoric designed to gain popular support by appealing to the prejudices or immediate desires of the electorate.

- The mayor's populist promise to cut all taxes was popular but lacked a clear budget plan.
- Critics dismissed the proposed legislation as a populist gesture intended to distract from the administration's failing economic record.

Teaching tip: In this sense, the word is often used as a criticism to suggest a politician is being dishonest or shallow.

### 3. a person with these views

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic

a person, especially a politician, who claims to represent the interests of ordinary people.

For teachers: an adherent or advocate of populism; a politician who frames their platform as a struggle for the common citizen against an establishment.

- As a populist, he spent his career attacking the big banks and the media.
- The senator was often labelled a populist for his frequent attacks on the corporate interests that funded his opponents.

## Examples

- The candidate won the election by using populist promises.
- Many voters were drawn to the populist message because they felt the traditional parties no longer understood their daily struggles.
- Political analysts argue that the rise of populist movements across the continent reflects a deep-seated disillusionment with globalised economic structures and a desire for more direct national sovereignty.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.