bolshevist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Historical/Academic)Formal, Historical, Political; often pejorative in contemporary use.
Quick answer
What does “bolshevist” mean?
A person who supports or advocates for Bolshevism, the communist ideology and political movement led by Lenin that seized power in Russia in 1917.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who supports or advocates for Bolshevism, the communist ideology and political movement led by Lenin that seized power in Russia in 1917.
By extension, a radical revolutionary or extremist, often used pejoratively to describe someone with uncompromising, authoritarian leftist views. In historical context, specifically a member of the Bolshevik faction of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely similar, tied to discussions of 20th-century history and political theory. Slightly more likely to appear in British historical writing due to earlier and more sustained engagement with Soviet politics.
Connotations
Strongly negative in general political discourse, implying dogmatism, revolutionary violence, and totalitarianism. Neutral or precise in academic historical writing.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both dialects, confined to specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bolshevist” in a Sentence
[Bolshevist] + [noun: leader, faction, theory][adjective] + [Bolshevist]accuse + [object] + of being a [Bolshevist]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bolshevist” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His Bolshevist leanings were evident from his writings.
- They were accused of harbouring Bolshevist sympathies.
American English
- The group followed a strict Bolshevist ideology.
- She rejected his Bolshevist arguments for immediate revolution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, and Soviet studies contexts to describe adherents.
Everyday
Rare, except as a political insult.
Technical
Specific term in historical/political analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bolshevist”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bolshevist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bolshevist”
- Using 'Bolshevist' to refer to any modern communist, which is anachronistic. Confusing spelling: 'Bolshevik' (noun/adjective) vs. 'Bolshevist' (noun, often implying an ideologue).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Bolshevik' is the more common term for a member or supporter of the Bolshevik party, and can be used as a noun or adjective. 'Bolshevist' is also a noun, but often carries a stronger implication of adherence to the ideology or doctrine, and can sound slightly more formal or pejorative.
Yes, but primarily in historical analysis or as a political insult. It is not used to describe contemporary mainstream political movements accurately.
Yes, though 'Bolshevik' is more frequent. 'Bolshevist' as an adjective (e.g., 'Bolshevist ideology') is grammatically correct and used, particularly when emphasizing doctrinal aspects.
Initially, their main opponents were the Mensheviks (another Marxist faction), Tsarist forces, and later the anti-communist White Army during the Russian Civil War. In broader political terms, they were opposed by liberals, conservatives, and democratic socialists.
A person who supports or advocates for Bolshevism, the communist ideology and political movement led by Lenin that seized power in Russia in 1917.
Bolshevist is usually formal, historical, political; often pejorative in contemporary use. in register.
Bolshevist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒlʃəvɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊlʃəvɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bolshevist tactics (implying ruthless, underhanded methods)”
- “a regular little Bolshevist (pejorative for a stubbornly argumentative person)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BOLShevik + IST' – a person who is part of the BOLS (a bold, revolutionary group).
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL EXTREMISM IS A DISEASE / REVOLUTIONARY IS A MACHINE (ruthless, uncompromising).
Practice
Quiz
In modern political discourse, 'Bolshevist' is most commonly used to: