communitarian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Sociopolitical
Quick answer
What does “communitarian” mean?
Relating to a social system or ideology that emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to the community and the importance of community values.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to a social system or ideology that emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to the community and the importance of community values.
A person who advocates for or prioritizes the community and collective values over individual interests. Can also describe policies or philosophies that support community cohesion, local governance, and shared social responsibility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in US political and philosophical discourse, particularly referencing 'communitarianism' as a school of thought (e.g., Amitai Etzioni). In UK, often used in sociology, local governance, and urban planning contexts.
Connotations
US: Often associated with political philosophy and critiques of liberal individualism. UK: More often linked to practical social policy, localism, and community development projects.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but slightly higher in American academic and political texts.
Grammar
How to Use “communitarian” in a Sentence
[adjective] + communitarian + [noun] (e.g., strong communitarian beliefs)[verb] + communitarian (e.g., advocate a communitarian approach)[preposition] + communitarian (e.g., based on communitarian principles)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “communitarian” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form. Rarely, 'to communitarianise' might be coined in academic texts.]
American English
- [No standard verb form.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form. 'Communitarianly' is extremely rare and non-standard.]
American English
- [No standard adverb form.]
adjective
British English
- The council's new housing policy has a distinctly communitarian flavour.
- He argues for a more communitarian model of public health.
American English
- Her communitarian philosophy contrasts sharply with libertarian views.
- The book presents a communitarian critique of contemporary rights discourse.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) reports discussing community engagement.
Academic
Common in political philosophy, sociology, ethics, and urban studies texts.
Everyday
Very rare. Would be marked as a formal, specialized term.
Technical
Used as a precise term in political theory to denote a specific school of thought opposing radical liberalism and libertarianism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “communitarian”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “communitarian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “communitarian”
- Misspelling: 'comunitarian' (missing one 'm').
- Pronunciation: Stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., /ˈkɒm.juː.nɪˌteə.ri.ən/). Correct stress is on 'tar' (US) or 'tear' (UK).
- Using as a synonym for 'socialist' or 'communist'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both relate to community, 'communist' refers specifically to the socio-economic ideology based on common ownership of the means of production. 'Communitarian' is a broader philosophical/social term focusing on the value of community bonds and responsibilities, and is not inherently tied to economic systems.
Yes, depending on perspective. Critics may use it pejoratively to imply excessive pressure for social conformity, a loss of individual autonomy, or a romanticised view of community that overlooks internal conflicts.
The clearest opposite is an individualistic or libertarian viewpoint, which prioritises individual rights, freedoms, and choices over collective obligations or community goals.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal term primarily found in academic writing, political theory, and discussions of social policy. It would sound unusual in casual conversation.
Relating to a social system or ideology that emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to the community and the importance of community values.
Communitarian is usually formal, academic, sociopolitical in register.
Communitarian: in British English it is pronounced /kəˌmjuː.nɪˈteə.ri.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˌmjuː.nəˈter.i.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The word itself is used as a technical term.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COMMUnity + iTARIAn (like a librarian for the community). A communitarian is concerned with organising and valuing the community.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS AN ORGANISM (the health of the whole community is essential for the health of its individual parts).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'communitarian' MOST likely to be used correctly?