populist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

In everyday media and political debate, it is predominantly used as a criticism, implying oversimplification and demagogy. In political science, it can be a more neutral, descriptive category for a style of politics.

Yes, but they are not the same. A 'popular' policy is widely supported. A 'populist' policy is specifically designed to gain rapid, widespread popularity, often by appealing to emotions and making simplistic promises, sometimes without regard for long-term consequences or feasibility.

A 'demagogue' is always negative and implies a leader who gains power by exploiting prejudices and emotions. A 'populist' can be used descriptively for a political style, though it often overlaps. All demagogues use populist tactics, but not all populists are necessarily demagogues (though the line is often blurred).

It is a political style, not an ideology, so it can be attached to either. Left-wing populism pits 'the people' against an economic elite (e.g., big banks). Right-wing populism often pits 'the native people' against both an elite and a marginalized group (e.g., immigrants).

A political approach or leader that claims to represent the interests and voice of ordinary people against a perceived corrupt or self-serving elite, often using direct, emotional appeals.

Populist is usually formal, political, academic, journalism in register.

Populist: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɒp.jə.lɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑː.pjə.lɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.