nationalism
C1/C2Formal, Academic, Political
Definition
Meaning
Patriotic feeling, principles, or efforts; an ideology that emphasizes loyalty, devotion, or allegiance to a nation or nation-state, often placing its interests above those of other nations or groups.
A political, social, and economic system characterized by the promotion of the interests and culture of one nation, especially with the aim of gaining and maintaining self-governance or full sovereignty over its homeland. It can range from civic and cultural pride to more extreme forms advocating for national superiority or expansion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term can have positive connotations (patriotism, self-determination) or negative ones (xenophobia, chauvinism), heavily dependent on context, speaker, and modifier adjectives (e.g., 'civic nationalism' vs. 'ethnic nationalism').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. However, due to differing historical and political contexts, the term might be discussed more frequently in relation to colonial history and independence movements in British English contexts, and in relation to immigration and domestic policy in American English contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations are context-dependent. In UK discourse, it's often associated with debates on Scottish/Welsh independence, Brexit, or post-colonial identity. In US discourse, it's frequently linked to 'America First' policies, immigration debates, and historical manifest destiny.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in academic and news media. The related term 'patriotism' is more common in everyday positive contexts in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Nationalism in [country/region]Nationalism among [group]Nationalism based on [ethnicity/culture]Nationalism driven by [factor]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not highly idiomatic for this abstract noun; more conceptual]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in discussions of trade policy, protectionism, or how nationalist policies affect global markets (e.g., 'Economic nationalism led to new tariffs').
Academic
Frequent in political science, history, sociology, and international relations, often analyzed neutrally as a historical force or ideology.
Everyday
Used in news discussions about politics, sports (rarely), and cultural identity, often with a negative slant in casual conversation (e.g., 'His speech was full of nationalism').
Technical
Used with precise modifiers in political theory (e.g., 'liberal nationalism', 'diaspora nationalism', 'banal nationalism').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- [Derived verb 'nationalise' is different; no direct common verb form for 'nationalism'.]
American English
- [Derived verb 'nationalize' is different; no direct common verb form for 'nationalism'.]
adverb
British English
- nationalistically
- He argued nationalistically for stricter border controls.
American English
- nationalistically
- The policy was framed nationalistically, focusing on domestic jobs.
adjective
British English
- nationalist
- nationalistic
- His nationalist views were clear in the debate.
- The movement had a strong nationalistic character.
American English
- nationalist
- nationalistic
- The candidate's nationalist rhetoric appealed to his base.
- A wave of nationalistic sentiment swept the country.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- People love their country. This feeling is sometimes called nationalism.
- He feels strong nationalism for his homeland.
- The rise of nationalism in the 19th century created many new countries.
- Sporting events can sometimes bring out a sense of nationalism in fans.
- While nationalism united the population during the war, it later led to tensions with neighbouring states.
- Historians debate whether the leader's nationalism was a cause of conflict or a response to external threats.
- Civic nationalism, based on shared political values, is often contrasted with ethnic nationalism, which is rooted in shared ancestry.
- The author's thesis posits that economic anxiety was the primary catalyst for the resurgence of populist nationalism across the continent.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of NATION-al-ISM: The '-ism' (ideology) focused on the NATION-al (of the nation).
Conceptual Metaphor
THE NATION IS A BODY (body politic, national health), THE NATION IS A PERSON (with a spirit, will, or destiny), US VS. THEM (ingroup/outgroup dynamics).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'национализм', which has a stronger, almost exclusively negative connotation of ethnic supremacy in modern Russian. The English term has a wider semantic range. 'Patriotism' (патриотизм) is a closer match for positive national feeling.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'nationalism' and 'patriotism' as pure synonyms without awareness of their different connotations.
- Misspelling as 'nationalsim' or 'nacionalism'.
- Using with incorrect prepositions (e.g., 'nationalism of' instead of 'nationalism in').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is most closely associated with the NEGATIVE connotations of 'nationalism'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Patriotism generally denotes pride in and love for one's country. Nationalism is often seen as a stronger, more ideological version that asserts the nation's superiority and interests over others. Patriotism is typically viewed positively, while nationalism can be positive or negative.
Yes, in contexts of anti-colonial struggles or movements for self-determination, nationalism can be a unifying and liberating ideology. Forms like 'civic nationalism' are based on shared laws and values rather than ethnicity.
No, but they can overlap. Racism is prejudice based on race. Nationalism is focused on the nation. However, if a nation is defined in ethnic or racial terms (ethnic nationalism), it can easily lead to racist policies and attitudes.
Economic nationalism is a policy that prioritises domestic industries, often through tariffs, subsidies, and restrictions on foreign ownership, with the aim of protecting the national economy from global competition.
Collections
Part of a collection
Cultural Topics
B2 · 47 words · Analyzing culture, society and identity.
Political Theory
C2 · 44 words · Advanced vocabulary for political science and theory.
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