gaullist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Political, Historical
Quick answer
What does “gaullist” mean?
A supporter of the policies, ideas, or political philosophy of Charles de Gaulle, particularly emphasizing French national independence, a strong executive, and a distinctive role for France in world affairs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A supporter of the policies, ideas, or political philosophy of Charles de Gaulle, particularly emphasizing French national independence, a strong executive, and a distinctive role for France in world affairs.
Pertaining to a political stance valuing national sovereignty, skepticism toward supranational integration (like certain EU policies), and a strong, centralized state leadership. Can be used more broadly to describe any political movement or figure advocating for national independence and a powerful executive, reminiscent of de Gaulle's principles.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly encountered in UK political discourse due to geographical and historical proximity to France. In US discourse, it is a more specialist term, typically found in academic or high-level geopolitical analysis.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries connotations of nationalism, conservatism, and realpolitik. May imply stubbornness or anachronistic views in critical usage.
Frequency
Low-frequency in general discourse. Higher frequency in political science, history, and international relations contexts, slightly more so in UK media discussing EU affairs.
Grammar
How to Use “gaullist” in a Sentence
[be] a Gaullist[remain] staunchly Gaullist[adhere to] Gaullist doctrine[govern] in a Gaullist mannerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gaullist” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The old Gaullist delivered a fiery speech against further EU integration.
- He was a true Gaullist, believing in the 'certain idea of France'.
American English
- The analyst described the candidate as a latter-day Gaullist.
- Gaullists in the assembly formed a powerful bloc.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in analysis of French economic protectionism: 'The company faced Gaullist-inspired regulatory hurdles.'
Academic
Common in political science and modern history texts discussing French Fifth Republic politics, European integration, and theories of the state.
Everyday
Virtually unused in casual conversation outside Francophone or highly political circles.
Technical
Used as a specific classification in political typologies and historical analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gaullist”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gaullist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gaullist”
- Misspelling as 'Gaulist' (referring to ancient Gaul).
- Using uncapitalized 'gaullist' when referring specifically to the French political tradition.
- Confusing with 'Gallic', which is a general adjective for French things.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, yes, when referring directly to the historical movement or followers of Charles de Gaulle. In broader, metaphorical use (e.g., 'a gaullist stance on sovereignty'), it is sometimes lowercased.
Yes, analogically. A political leader in another country who emphasizes national independence and a strong, personalised executive might be described as 'Gaullist' or 'Gaullistic' in style.
'Gaullist' refers to the original movement and ideology of Charles de Gaulle. 'Neo-Gaullist' describes later parties or politicians (like the RPR or modern Les Républicains) who claim his legacy but adapt his ideas to contemporary contexts, often with a stronger pro-European element.
Historically, Gaullism transcended the traditional left-right divide, combining statist economic policies with conservative social and nationalist foreign policy. In modern French politics, Gaullist parties are generally considered to be on the centre-right.
A supporter of the policies, ideas, or political philosophy of Charles de Gaulle, particularly emphasizing French national independence, a strong executive, and a distinctive role for France in world affairs.
Gaullist is usually formal, political, historical in register.
Gaullist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊ.lɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊ.lɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Gaullist' sounds like 'goal-list'. De Gaulle had a clear list of goals for a strong, independent France.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATION AS A SOVEREIGN PERSON (The Gaullist state is a proud, independent actor that does not submit to others).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a core tenet of Gaullist ideology?