reformism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, political.
Quick answer
What does “reformism” mean?
The political doctrine of achieving social change through gradual, progressive reforms within existing systems, rather than through revolutionary overthrow.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The political doctrine of achieving social change through gradual, progressive reforms within existing systems, rather than through revolutionary overthrow.
A belief in or advocacy of the method of reform, applied to various fields like politics, religion, or economics. It often implies an opposition to radical, immediate, or revolutionary change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is semantically identical in both varieties. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Often associated with social democracy, the labour movement, and liberal politics. In the US, it might be linked more strongly to Progressive Era politics or certain Democratic Party factions.
Frequency
Comparatively low frequency in everyday speech, but standard in political science and historical discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “reformism” in a Sentence
[Adj.] reformismreformism of [NP]reformism within [NP]commitment to reformismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reformism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The party leadership seeks to reformise the economic agenda.
- They were accused of reformising their radical principles.
American English
- The movement gradually reformized its platform to appeal to moderates.
adverb
British English
- The group acted reformistically, seeking amendments rather than rejection of the bill.
American English
- They proceeded reformistically, focusing on achievable policy tweaks.
adjective
British English
- His reformist agenda faced criticism from the party's left wing.
- A reformist approach to the healthcare system.
American English
- The reformist candidate argued for change from within the system.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could describe a company's strategy of incremental change rather than disruptive innovation.
Academic
Common in political science, history, and sociology to classify political movements and ideologies.
Everyday
Very rare. Used in informed discussions about politics.
Technical
A specific term in political theory and historical analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reformism”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reformism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reformism”
- Confusing 'reformism' (the ideology) with 'a reform' (a specific change).
- Using it as a synonym for any kind of reform.
- Misspelling as 'reformisme' (French influence).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is descriptive, but its connotations depend on the speaker's viewpoint. To a moderate, it is pragmatic; to a radical, it is often a criticism implying timidity or complicity.
'Reform' is a specific change or the process of making it (e.g., healthcare reform). 'Reformism' is the ideological belief in using such reforms as the primary method for achieving major social or political change.
The Fabian Society in Britain is a classic example, advocating for the gradual implementation of socialist principles through democratic means rather than revolution.
Not exclusively, but it is often a key strand within social democratic, labour, and liberal parties, as opposed to more revolutionary communist or radical factions.
The political doctrine of achieving social change through gradual, progressive reforms within existing systems, rather than through revolutionary overthrow.
Reformism is usually formal, academic, political. in register.
Reformism: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈfɔːmɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈfɔːrmɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The road of reformism”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'REFORM-ISM' = the belief (-ISM) in re-forming (changing) society piece by piece.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL CHANGE IS A JOURNEY (taking the slow, steady path vs. the explosive shortcut).
Practice
Quiz
In political discourse, 'reformism' is most directly opposed to: