althusser: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “althusser” mean?
A proper noun, the surname of Louis Althusser (1918–1990), a prominent French Marxist philosopher.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun, the surname of Louis Althusser (1918–1990), a prominent French Marxist philosopher.
Pertaining to or characteristic of the ideas, theories, or philosophical framework developed by Louis Althusser, especially his theories on ideology, structural Marxism, and the critique of humanism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Pronunciation may show minor variation.
Connotations
Highly specialised, associated with continental philosophy, critical theory, and post-structuralist Marxism.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse, confined almost entirely to academic texts in philosophy, political theory, sociology, and cultural studies.
Grammar
How to Use “althusser” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun][Adjectival: Althusserian + noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “althusser” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- An Althusserian framework rejects economic determinism.
- Her reading was distinctly Althusserian in its approach.
American English
- The Althusserian perspective on ideology was groundbreaking.
- He applied an Althusserian analysis to the film.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Central in discussions of Marxist theory, ideology, and post-structuralism. Example: 'The Althusserian concept of interpellation was pivotal.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Specific to philosophy and critical social theory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “althusser”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “althusser”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “althusser”
- Misspelling: Althuser, Althusar, Althussar. Incorrect adjectival form: 'Althusser's' used as adjective instead of 'Althusserian'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a proper noun with extremely low frequency, used almost exclusively in academic contexts.
'Althusserian' (e.g., Althusserian theory, an Althusserian reading).
His theories on ideology, particularly the concepts of 'Ideological State Apparatuses' (ISAs) and 'interpellation'.
In British English: /ˈaltʊseɪ/. In American English: /ˌɑltuˈseɪ/ or /ˌæltuˈseɪ/. The final 'r' is typically silent.
A proper noun, the surname of Louis Althusser (1918–1990), a prominent French Marxist philosopher.
Althusser is usually formal, academic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs)”
- “interpellation”
- “symptomatic reading”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ALTernative USs of SERious theory' -> ALT-HUS-SER.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEOLOGY IS A MATERIAL APPARATUS; THE SUBJECT IS CONSTRUCTED.
Practice
Quiz
What field is most associated with the work of Louis Althusser?