hegemonism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Academic, Political
Quick answer
What does “hegemonism” mean?
The policy or practice of seeking to dominate other nations, regions, or groups, often through political, economic, or cultural influence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The policy or practice of seeking to dominate other nations, regions, or groups, often through political, economic, or cultural influence.
An ideology or systematic approach that asserts and maintains dominance over others, extending beyond politics to fields like economics (market hegemony) and culture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or pronunciation difference. The term is used similarly in both geopolitical discourse.
Connotations
Equally critical and academic in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to its prominence in international relations theory and critique of superpowers.
Grammar
How to Use “hegemonism” in a Sentence
Noun + of + hegemonism (e.g., 'a policy of hegemonism')Verb + hegemonism (e.g., 'denounce hegemonism')Adjective + hegemonism (e.g., 'blatant hegemonism')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hegemonism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The essay argues that the great power sought to hegemonise the region.
- They are accused of attempting to hegemonise the global discourse.
American English
- Critics claimed the policy was designed to hegemonize the hemisphere.
- The strategy aimed to hegemonize cultural production.
adverb
British English
- The empire expanded hegemonistically, absorbing its neighbours.
- They acted hegemonistically in trade negotiations.
American English
- The superpower behaved hegemonistically throughout the Cold War.
- The corporation operated hegemonistically in the market.
adjective
British English
- The nation's hegemonistic ambitions were clear.
- A hegemonistic foreign policy often provokes resistance.
American English
- Their hegemonic (note: more common than hegemonistic) behavior was labeled hegemonistic by rivals.
- The treaty was seen as a tool for hegemonistic control.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in discussions of market dominance, e.g., 'The company was accused of digital hegemonism.'
Academic
Common in Political Science, International Relations, and Critical Theory.
Everyday
Very rare. Used only in informed political discussion.
Technical
Specific term in political theory and geopolitics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hegemonism”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hegemonism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hegemonism”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈhedʒmənɪzəm/ (wrong stress).
- Confusing with 'hegemony' (the state of dominance itself vs. the policy of pursuing it).
- Using in informal contexts where 'bullying' or 'domination' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Hegemony is the state or fact of being dominant. Hegemonism is the policy or practice of actively seeking to establish or maintain that dominance.
In modern usage, especially in academic and political discourse, it is almost exclusively used with a negative, critical connotation.
It is rare but possible, typically as a metaphor to criticise a company's attempt to utterly dominate a market and crush competition unfairly.
It is primarily a noun. Related forms include the adjective 'hegemonistic' (less common than 'hegemonic'), the verb 'hegemonise/hegemonize', and the adverb 'hegemonistically'.
The policy or practice of seeking to dominate other nations, regions, or groups, often through political, economic, or cultural influence.
Hegemonism is usually formal, academic, political in register.
Hegemonism: in British English it is pronounced /hɪˈdʒemənɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /həˈdʒɛməˌnɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The strong arm of hegemonism”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HEGEMON (a leader) who insists on -ISM (a system of belief). Hegemon-ism is the system of belief that a hegemon should control everyone else.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IS A STRUGGLE FOR POWER; A DOMINANT STATE IS A BULLY.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym to 'hegemonism' in a critical political context?