fourteen points, the: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Historical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “fourteen points, the” mean?
A statement of principles for world peace, proposed by US President Woodrow Wilson in 1918 as a basis for ending World War I.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A statement of principles for world peace, proposed by US President Woodrow Wilson in 1918 as a basis for ending World War I.
The term is used as a historical proper noun to refer specifically to Wilson's 1918 address. It can sometimes be used metaphorically to refer to any comprehensive, idealistic plan for peace or reform.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and context, as it is a proper noun referring to a US president's plan. The term might be covered more extensively in American history curricula.
Connotations
Neutral historical reference in both varieties. May carry a slightly stronger connotation of American idealism in UK usage.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, limited to historical and political discourse. Slightly higher frequency in American academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “fourteen points, the” in a Sentence
the Fourteen Points + [verb: were, outlined, formed]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fourteen points, the” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Allies debated how to implement the Fourteen Points.
- Historians continue to analyse the points Wilson espoused.
American English
- The treaty negotiations aimed to fulfill the Fourteen Points.
- Wilson articulated his vision in the Fourteen Points.
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
American English
- [Not applicable as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The Fourteen-Point plan faced significant opposition.
- It was a Fourteen-Point framework for peace.
American English
- The Fourteen-Point proposal was idealistic.
- They discussed the Fourteen-Point agenda.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
[Rarely used]
Academic
Used in history, political science, and international relations to discuss WWI peace efforts and the foundation of the League of Nations.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation outside of historical discussion.
Technical
Used as a precise historical reference in diplomatic history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fourteen points, the”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fourteen points, the”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fourteen points, the”
- Writing in lower case ('fourteen points'), omitting the definite article ('Fourteen Points'), confusing it with other post-war plans like the 'Ten Points' of 1941.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, many were compromised or rejected by other Allied powers, leading to Wilson's disappointment.
Point XIV, calling for a 'general association of nations', led directly to the creation of the League of Nations.
Very rarely. It remains overwhelmingly associated with Wilson's 1918 address. Other lists would typically be described differently (e.g., 'a ten-point plan').
Because it refers to one specific, famous set of points, much like 'the Ten Commandments' or 'the Seven Wonders'.
A statement of principles for world peace, proposed by US President Woodrow Wilson in 1918 as a basis for ending World War I.
Fourteen points, the is usually historical, academic in register.
Fourteen points, the: in British English it is pronounced /ðə ˌfɔːˈtiːn ˈpɔɪnts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ðə ˌfɔrˈtin ˈpɔɪnts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not applicable - is itself a historical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FOURteen points for peace after the FOUR years of World War I.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BLUEPRINT for peace; The FOUNDATION for a new world order.
Practice
Quiz
The 'Fourteen Points' are primarily associated with which historical context?