fourth international: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (when referring to the Trotskyist organization); Medium-Low (in generic sequential use).Political/Historical (proper noun); Formal/Neutral (generic ordinal use).
Quick answer
What does “fourth international” mean?
A term specifically referring to the Fourth International, a communist international organization founded by Leon Trotsky and his followers in 1938 as a political alternative to Stalin's Comintern.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term specifically referring to the Fourth International, a communist international organization founded by Leon Trotsky and his followers in 1938 as a political alternative to Stalin's Comintern.
When used generically (e.g., 'the fourth international conference'), it denotes the fourth instance or iteration of an international event or organization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The political term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
The capitalised term carries strong historical and ideological connotations related to Trotskyism, Marxism, and left-wing opposition to Stalinism.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties as a proper noun. Generic use is more common in formal, academic, or business contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “fourth international” in a Sentence
the Fourth International (proper noun, subject/object)a/the fourth international [noun] (e.g., conference, treaty, fair)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fourth international” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The group sought to fourth-internationalise their movement. (Very rare, non-standard)
American English
- (No standard verb form exists)
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable)
American English
- (Not applicable)
adjective
British English
- He held a Fourth International perspective.
- It was the fourth international event in the series.
American English
- She is a Fourth International theorist.
- They hosted the fourth international convention.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Generic: 'We are preparing for the fourth international product launch.'
Academic
Primary context: Historical/Political Science studies of the Fourth International. Also generic: 'the findings were presented at the fourth international symposium.'
Everyday
Rare. Generic use possible: 'This is the fourth international flight I've taken this month.'
Technical
In political theory and history texts referring specifically to the Trotskyist organisation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fourth international”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fourth international”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fourth international”
- Failing to capitalise when referring to the specific political organisation.
- Using 'Fourth International' to refer to any fourth global meeting, causing confusion.
- Incorrect article use in generic contexts (e.g., 'He attended Fourth International conference' instead of 'the fourth international conference').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is only a proper noun (and must be capitalised) when referring specifically to the Trotskyist political organisation. In phrases like 'the fourth international flight', it is a descriptive phrase.
It was founded by Leon Trotsky and his supporters in 1938 to oppose the Stalinist dominance of the Third International (Comintern) and to advance a revolutionary Marxist programme based on internationalism.
Yes, but carefully. You could say 'the fourth international games' or 'the fourth international tournament'. It functions as an ordinal adjective describing a noun, not as a name. Do not capitalise it in this context.
Yes. The First International (International Workingmen's Association, 1864-1876), the Second International (1889-1916), and the Third International (Communist International or Comintern, 1919-1943) are the major historical predecessors. The term 'Fourth International' explicitly positions itself in this sequence.
A term specifically referring to the Fourth International, a communist international organization founded by Leon Trotsky and his followers in 1938 as a political alternative to Stalin's Comintern.
Fourth international is usually political/historical (proper noun); formal/neutral (generic ordinal use). in register.
Fourth international: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːθ ˌɪntəˈnæʃnəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɔrθ ˌɪntərˈnæʃnəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not commonly idiomatic for the proper noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FOURTH comes after THIRD. The Third International (Comintern) was Stalin's; the FOURTH International was founded by Trotsky as the next (fourth) major attempt.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL MOVEMENT AS A BODY (The Fourth International was fractured, with many splinter groups). SEQUENCE AS A JOURNEY (the fourth international leg of the journey).
Practice
Quiz
When should 'Fourth International' be capitalised?