reformist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Political
Quick answer
What does “reformist” mean?
A person who advocates for gradual political or social change within an existing system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who advocates for gradual political or social change within an existing system.
Relating to or characteristic of a belief in gradual, incremental change rather than revolutionary overthrow; can describe a person, policy, or ideology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. The term is used in both varieties with the same primary meaning.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can carry a slightly dismissive connotation from more radical critics (implying timidity or compromise), or a pragmatic connotation from moderates.
Frequency
Comparatively similar frequency, with slightly higher usage in American political discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “reformist” in a Sentence
[reformist] + noun (e.g., reformist policies)be + [a reformist]a [reformist] in/within + organisationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reformist” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The party's reformist wing gained influence after the election.
- His reformist agenda faced stiff opposition from traditionalists.
American English
- The mayor's reformist policies on policing were widely debated.
- A more reformist approach to drug laws is gaining traction.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might describe a manager advocating incremental changes to company structure.
Academic
Common in political science, history, and sociology to categorise ideologies and actors.
Everyday
Used in political news and discussion to describe politicians or groups.
Technical
Used as a specific classification in political theory and historiography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “reformist”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “reformist”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reformist”
- Using 'reformist' as a verb (incorrect: 'They want to reformist the system'; correct: 'They want to reform the system').
- Confusing with 'reformer' (a reformist is a type of reformer advocating gradual change).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A reformist seeks gradual change within the existing system, while a revolutionary seeks to overthrow and replace the system entirely.
Yes, commonly. For example, 'reformist policies' or 'a reformist government' describe things characterised by a belief in gradual reform.
A 'reformer' is a general term for anyone who advocates change. A 'reformist' is a specific type of reformer focused on gradual, systemic change, often within a political context.
It is context-dependent. It can be positive (pragmatic, reasonable) or negative (ineffectual, compromising) depending on the speaker's viewpoint and the political climate.
A person who advocates for gradual political or social change within an existing system.
Reformist is usually formal, academic, political in register.
Reformist: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈfɔː.mɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /rəˈfɔːr.mɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A REFORMIST wants to RE-FORM or reshape the system, not break it.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICAL CHANGE IS A JOURNEY (where a reformist prefers the paved road, not a new path).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a key characteristic of a 'reformist' approach?