interpellate
C2Formal, Academic, Political
Definition
Meaning
to formally question someone in authority, typically a government official, in a parliamentary or similar setting
In political theory (especially Marxist and post-structuralist), to call upon or hail a person, thereby positioning them within a specific ideological framework or subject position
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb has two distinct but related meanings: 1) the procedural, parliamentary act of questioning, and 2) the theoretical, ideological act of hailing or constructing a subject. The first is concrete and institutional; the second is abstract and philosophical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The parliamentary sense is more common in British English due to the Westminster system. The theoretical sense is equally used in academic circles globally. The term 'question' is more frequent in both contexts.
Connotations
In UK political contexts, it implies a formal, official procedure. In US contexts, it is almost exclusively academic or theoretical, as the US Congress does not have a direct procedural equivalent.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general use. Higher frequency in UK political journalism and international political philosophy texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] interpellates [Object: Person/Entity][Subject] is interpellated [by Object][Subject] interpellates [Object] on/regarding [Topic]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no common idioms containing 'interpellate'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in political science, sociology, and critical theory to describe ideological subject formation (e.g., Althusser's theory).
Everyday
Extremely rare; would be misunderstood.
Technical
Used in parliamentary procedure in some countries to denote a specific type of formal questioning.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The backbench MP plans to interpellate the Home Secretary over the new policy.
- Ministers can be interpellated during Prime Minister's Questions.
American English
- The theorist argued that advertising interpellates us as consumers.
- The scholar's work examines how laws interpellate the citizen.
adverb
British English
- He spoke interpellatively, demanding immediate answers from the committee.
American English
- The ideology functions interpellatively, shaping our self-perception.
adjective
British English
- The interpellative procedure is a key feature of the chamber's oversight.
- He faced an interpellatory session lasting two hours.
American English
- Althusser's concept of the interpellative 'hail' is central to his theory.
- The film uses interpellative techniques to position the viewer.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This word is not used at A2 level.
- This word is not typically introduced at B1 level.
- The opposition may interpellate a minister during a debate.
- In some political systems, parliamentarians have the right to interpellate.
- The journalist's role is often to interpellate those in power, holding them to account.
- Critical media analysis explores how news narratives interpellate the audience as passive recipients.
- Drawing on Althusser, the paper analyses how the state apparatus interpellates individuals as docile subjects.
- The senator's skillful interpellation of the nominee revealed significant flaws in the proposed legislation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'INTERrupting' a 'PAL' in parliament to 'ATE' up his time with questions -> INTERPELLATE.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUESTIONING IS A SUMMONS (theoretical sense: ideology 'calls out' to individuals).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'интерпретировать' (to interpret). The Russian political term 'интерпеллировать' is a direct cognate but is highly specialized.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing with 'interpolate' (to insert).
- Using it as a synonym for 'interpret'.
- Using in informal contexts where 'ask' is appropriate.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'interpellate' used in a specialized, theoretical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, formal word used primarily in specific political and academic contexts.
'Interpellate' implies a formal, official, or procedural act of questioning, often with an institutional power dynamic. 'Question' is the general term.
It would sound very unnatural and pretentious. Use 'ask', 'question', or 'challenge' instead.
The French Marxist philosopher Louis Althusser used it in his theory of Ideological State Apparatuses to describe how ideology 'hails' or constructs individuals as subjects.