american revolution: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, historical; occasionally journalistic in figurative use.
Quick answer
What does “american revolution” mean?
The 18th-century war (1775-1783) in which thirteen British colonies in North America fought for and gained independence, establishing the United States of America.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The 18th-century war (1775-1783) in which thirteen British colonies in North America fought for and gained independence, establishing the United States of America.
The political, social, and intellectual transformation accompanying the war for independence, involving ideas of republicanism, liberty, and self‑government. Also used figuratively for any dramatic, transformative change in a particular field or society.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, 'American Revolution' is the standard term; 'Revolutionary War' is also common. In the UK, 'American War of Independence' is frequently preferred, though 'American Revolution' is understood and used in academic contexts.
Connotations
US usage carries strong positive connotations of founding ideals (liberty, democracy). UK usage is more neutral, framing it as a colonial war of secession.
Frequency
Much more frequent in US English across all registers. In UK English, it appears mainly in historical or educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “american revolution” in a Sentence
The American Revolution + verb (began, ended, occurred)preposition + the American Revolution (before, after, during)Adjective + American Revolution (successful, bloody, political)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “american revolution” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The colonists revolted, sparking the American Revolution.
American English
- The patriots fought to secure independence during the American Revolution.
adverb
British English
- The colonies acted revolutionarily, leading to the American Revolution.
American English
- They organised revolutionarily, setting the stage for the American Revolution.
adjective
British English
- The American Revolutionary period saw great political debate.
American English
- American Revolution history is a core subject in many schools.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically: 'The new software started an American Revolution in data processing.'
Academic
Frequent in history, political science, and American studies: 'The ideological origins of the American Revolution were complex.'
Everyday
Used in general discussion of history: 'We learned about the American Revolution in school.'
Technical
Specific in historical scholarship, with precise dates, figures, and treaties.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “american revolution”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “american revolution”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “american revolution”
- Using lower case ('american revolution').
- Confusing it with the US Civil War (1861‑1865).
- Omitting 'the' when it's part of the proper noun (e.g., 'During American Revolution' is incorrect; use 'During the American Revolution').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, they are often used interchangeably to refer to the war itself. However, 'American Revolution' can have a broader meaning, encompassing the political and ideological changes of the era.
The armed conflict (the war) is generally dated from 1775 (Battles of Lexington and Concord) to 1783 (Treaty of Paris). The broader revolutionary period includes events like the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Causes were complex, including British taxation policies (like the Stamp Act), lack of colonial representation in Parliament, restrictions on westward expansion, and the influence of Enlightenment ideas about natural rights and self‑government.
Only figuratively, to describe a dramatic, foundational change in a field (e.g., 'The internet caused an American Revolution in communication'). It is not used for modern political upheavals in the USA.
The 18th-century war (1775-1783) in which thirteen British colonies in North America fought for and gained independence, establishing the United States of America.
American revolution is usually formal, academic, historical; occasionally journalistic in figurative use. in register.
American revolution: in British English it is pronounced /əˌmer.ɪ.kən ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈmer.ə.kən ˌrev.əˈluː.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(figurative) A quiet American Revolution (a gradual but profound change)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'AMERICA REVOLTED' – the first letters match the phrase, reminding you of the act of revolt against Britain.
Conceptual Metaphor
REVOLUTION IS A BIRTH (the birth of a nation); REVOLUTION IS A FIRE (sparking ideas, burning old structures).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a common British synonym for 'American Revolution'?