revolutionism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “revolutionism” mean?
The advocacy of or belief in revolutionary principles, especially in politics.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The advocacy of or belief in revolutionary principles, especially in politics.
A doctrine or ideology that promotes radical, often violent, change to overthrow an established system or government.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term is academic and often historical. May carry negative connotations when used by critics of radical change.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, primarily found in political theory, history, and sociology texts.
Grammar
How to Use “revolutionism” in a Sentence
[revolutionism] + [of + NP] (e.g., revolutionism of the 19th century)[adjective] + [revolutionism] (e.g., political revolutionism)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “revolutionism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The group sought to revolutionise society through direct action.
- Their aim was to revolutionise the entire political system.
American English
- The movement aimed to revolutionize the economic structure.
- They wanted to revolutionize the way government works.
adverb
British English
- The society was revolutionarily transformed.
- He argued revolutionarily for the overthrow of the monarchy.
American English
- The technology was revolutionarily advanced.
- She spoke revolutionarily about systemic change.
adjective
British English
- His revolutionary ideals were considered dangerous.
- The pamphlet contained revolutionary rhetoric.
American English
- She was part of a revolutionary cell.
- Their revolutionary fervour was unmistakable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in political science, history, and sociology to describe ideologies advocating revolutionary change.
Everyday
Extremely rare; 'revolutionary ideas' or 'belief in revolution' would be used instead.
Technical
Used as a specific term in political theory to categorize a strand of thought.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “revolutionism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “revolutionism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “revolutionism”
- Using it to mean 'a revolution' (it's the belief system, not the event).
- Confusing it with 'revisionism' (which seeks to modify, not overthrow).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Revolution' is the event or process of overthrow. 'Revolutionism' is the belief in or advocacy for such events as a principle.
It is a neutral academic term, but its connotation depends on context and the speaker's perspective. Proponents may view it positively as a belief in necessary change, while opponents may view it negatively as a belief in destructive upheaval.
In general contexts, 'radicalism' is a more common and slightly broader synonym. In academic writing, 'revolutionism' is used for precision.
No. It is a low-frequency, specialised term used almost exclusively in formal, academic, or historical discussions about political ideology.
The advocacy of or belief in revolutionary principles, especially in politics.
Revolutionism is usually formal, academic in register.
Revolutionism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɛvəˈluːʃənɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛvəˈluːʃənɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: REVOLUTION + ISM. It's the 'ism' (doctrine) of believing in revolution.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE FORCES (A wave of revolutionism swept the continent).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'revolutionism' MOST appropriately used?