revisionist: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal; Academic; Political
Quick answer
What does “revisionist” mean?
A person who advocates the revision of an established, especially political or historical, view or theory.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who advocates the revision of an established, especially political or historical, view or theory.
Relating to or characteristic of a revisionist; someone who re-examines and often challenges orthodox beliefs, doctrines, or narratives, typically in politics, history, or ideology.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
In both varieties, heavily context-dependent. In political discourse, it is often a loaded term.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in academic and political journalism in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “revisionist” in a Sentence
revisionist + NOUN (historian, account)NOUN + of + revisionist (brand, charge)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “revisionist” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - The verb is 'revise'. 'Revisionist' is not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - The verb is 'revise'. 'Revisionist' is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - No standard adverbial form ('revisionistically' is non-standard and extremely rare).
American English
- N/A - No standard adverbial form ('revisionistically' is non-standard and extremely rare).
adjective
British English
- His revisionist account of the Cold War sparked fierce debate in academic circles.
- The party expelled members with revisionist tendencies.
American English
- She published a revisionist take on the founding fathers that questioned traditional hero worship.
- The senator dismissed the report as revisionist nonsense.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically for someone challenging a corporate strategy or legacy.
Academic
Common in history, political science, and critical theory to describe scholarly challenges to established narratives.
Everyday
Uncommon. Used primarily when discussing politics or controversial historical topics.
Technical
Specific term in historiography and political ideology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “revisionist”
- Using 'revisionist' to mean someone who proofreads or edits text.
- Confusing with 'reversible' or 'revisory'.
- Using it as a synonym for 'progressive' without the specific connotation of challenging established doctrine.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. In academia, revisionist work can be legitimate, evidence-based scholarship that corrects the historical record. The negative conduction arises when the revision is seen as ideologically motivated and factually dishonest.
A 'reformer' seeks to change institutions or practices (e.g., political reform). A 'revisionist' seeks to change the *interpretation or understanding* of events, ideas, or history.
It is less common. Scientists who challenge paradigms are typically called 'paradigm-shifters' or associated with a 'scientific revolution'. 'Revisionist' is more tied to the humanities and social sciences.
No. The related verb is 'revise'. A person does not 'revisionist' something; they 'revise' a theory or produce 'revisionist' history.
A person who advocates the revision of an established, especially political or historical, view or theory.
Revisionist is usually formal; academic; political in register.
Revisionist: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈvɪʒ.ən.ɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈvɪʒ.ən.ɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun form]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of RE-VISION-IST: someone who wants a RE-newed VISION of history or politics.
Conceptual Metaphor
HISTORY/THEORY IS A TEXT (that can be rewritten, edited, revised).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'revisionist' MOST likely to be used pejoratively?