sectionalism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “sectionalism” mean?
Excessive or narrow-minded concern for the interests of one region or group within a country, over those of the nation as a whole.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Excessive or narrow-minded concern for the interests of one region or group within a country, over those of the nation as a whole.
A political, economic, or cultural allegiance to a specific region or faction, often leading to conflict or rivalry with other regions and hindering national unity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is most frequently applied to American history (pre-Civil War North vs. South). In British contexts, it might refer to historical regional divides (e.g., England vs. Scotland) or, less commonly, to internal party factions.
Connotations
Strongly associated with the causes of the American Civil War in US usage. In UK usage, it can carry a slightly more abstract, political theory connotation.
Frequency
More common in American English due to its centrality in national history textbooks and discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “sectionalism” in a Sentence
Sectionalism in [place/group] (e.g., sectionalism in the antebellum US)Sectionalism over [issue] (e.g., sectionalism over tariffs)Sectionalism among [people] (e.g., sectionalism among the delegates)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sectionalism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The debate risked sectionalising the party along geographical lines.
American English
- The new policy threatened to sectionalize the electorate.
adverb
British English
- The party voted sectionally, not ideologically.
American English
- Politicians were thinking sectionally, not nationally.
adjective
British English
- Sectionalist sentiments were running high in the northern cities.
American English
- The debate was driven by sectionalist interests rather than national good.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically to criticise a lack of inter-departmental cooperation.
Academic
Common in History and Political Science to analyse causes of internal conflict and breakdown of states.
Everyday
Very rare. Would only appear in discussions of history or politics.
Technical
A precise term in political theory and historiography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sectionalism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sectionalism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sectionalism”
- Using it as a synonym for 'sectarianism' (which is religious).
- Using it to describe simple regional differences without the connotation of conflict or excessive loyalty.
- Attempting to use it as a verb ('to sectionalise' is extremely rare and not standard).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related. 'Regionalism' is a broader, more neutral term for focus on a region. 'Sectionalism' is a stronger, negative term implying that regional loyalty conflicts with, and is harmful to, national unity.
It is possible in a metaphorical or extended sense (e.g., 'sectionalism between the marketing and engineering departments'), but this is not its primary or most common usage. Terms like 'silo mentality' or 'interdepartmental rivalry' are more typical in business contexts.
The most direct antonym is 'nationalism' in its sense of devotion to the interests of the whole nation. 'Unity' and 'cohesion' are also strong opposites.
In standard usage, yes. The term carries an inherent criticism. While recognising regional interests is normal in politics, 'sectionalism' denotes an excessive, narrow, and divisive form of it.
Excessive or narrow-minded concern for the interests of one region or group within a country, over those of the nation as a whole.
Sectionalism is usually formal, academic in register.
Sectionalism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkʃ(ə)n(ə)lɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkʃənəˌlɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific lexical item]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a country being cut into SECTIONS. SECTIONALISM is the 'ISM' (belief system) that cares only about your own SECTION.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE NATION IS A BODY (sectionalism is a disease or a self-inflicted wound dividing the body).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following situations best illustrates 'sectionalism'?