chinese revolution: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low. Primarily used in historical, political, and academic contexts.Formal, historical, academic. Rare in casual conversation.
Quick answer
What does “chinese revolution” mean?
The period of fundamental political and social transformation in China in the 20th century, culminating in the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The period of fundamental political and social transformation in China in the 20th century, culminating in the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
Can refer broadly to the long revolutionary process beginning with the fall of the Qing dynasty (1911) or specifically to the communist victory under Mao Zedong (1945-1949). It signifies a complete societal overhaul.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slight variation in associated peripheral historical narratives.
Connotations
In academic contexts, carries heavy ideological weight. Neutral historical descriptor versus event with contemporary political implications.
Frequency
Comparably low frequency in both varieties. Slightly higher frequency in academic American sinology.
Grammar
How to Use “chinese revolution” in a Sentence
The Chinese Revolution [VERB: established/changed/ended] ...[NOUN: Legacy/History/Impact] of the Chinese RevolutionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chinese revolution” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The course of the country was irrevocably revolutionised by the events of 1949.
American English
- The communist movement succeeded in revolutionizing Chinese society.
adverb
British English
- The society changed revolutionarily fast after 1949.
American English
- The country developed revolutionarily, breaking from its past.
adjective
British English
- The post-revolutionary government implemented sweeping land reforms.
- He was a pre-revolutionary diplomat.
American English
- The revolutionary period was marked by significant upheaval.
- They studied revolutionary ideology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused. May appear in historical analysis of Chinese markets.
Academic
Primary context. Used in history, political science, Asian studies.
Everyday
Rare. Might be mentioned in news or documentaries about China's history.
Technical
Used as a precise historical period marker in sinology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chinese revolution”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chinese revolution”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chinese revolution”
- Using 'Chinese Revolution' to refer to the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976).
- Writing it in lower case ('chinese revolution').
- Confusing it with the earlier Xinhai Revolution (1911).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can refer to both, causing ambiguity. In academic writing, it often refers to the 1949 communist revolution. For clarity, specify 'Xinhai Revolution (1911)' or 'Communist Revolution (1949)'.
Yes, it is a proper noun naming a specific historical event and should be capitalised: 'Chinese Revolution'.
The Chinese Revolution (c. 1949) was the communist takeover. The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) was a later, violent sociopolitical movement within communist China.
Yes, as a key historical turning point. However, ensure you define its timeframe and significance for your argument, as it is a major periodisation marker.
The period of fundamental political and social transformation in China in the 20th century, culminating in the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.
Chinese revolution is usually formal, historical, academic. rare in casual conversation. in register.
Chinese revolution: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃaɪˌniːz ˌrevəˈluːʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃaɪˈniːz ˌrevəˈluːʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A revolution is not a dinner party. (Mao Zedong quote, often associated with the period.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think '1949 - a new spine for China': The Chinese Revolution established the People's Republic, forming a new backbone for the nation.
Conceptual Metaphor
REVOLUTION IS AN EARTHQUAKE (it shook the foundations of society); REVOLUTION IS A CLEAN SLATE (it wiped away the old system).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most specific referent of 'the Chinese Revolution' in modern historical discourse?