separatism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, academic, political, journalistic.
Quick answer
What does “separatism” mean?
The advocacy or practice of separation of a group of people from a larger body on the basis of ethnicity, religion, or political ideology.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The advocacy or practice of separation of a group of people from a larger body on the basis of ethnicity, religion, or political ideology.
The principle or policy of maintaining a separate identity or existence from a dominant group, culture, or political entity; can refer to political, cultural, or social movements seeking autonomy or independence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical in both varieties. The concept is equally relevant in contexts like Scottish separatism (UK) or Puerto Rican separatism (US).
Connotations
In both varieties, the term can be neutral (descriptive) or pejorative, depending on context and speaker perspective.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK media historically due to discussions of Irish and Scottish nationalism.
Grammar
How to Use “separatism” in a Sentence
[Noun] led to calls for separatism.The government cracked down on [regional] separatism.Separatism based on [ethnicity/religion].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “separatism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The faction sought to separatise from the main party.
- The process to separatise the region was long.
American English
- The faction sought to separate from the main party (Note: 'separatize' is rare; 'secede' is preferred).
adverb
British English
- The region voted separatively in the referendum (very rare).
- They acted separatively from the central command.
American English
- The group acted in a separatist manner (adverbial phrase preferred).
adjective
British English
- Separatist tendencies grew stronger.
- A separatist group claimed responsibility.
American English
- Separatist sentiments were on the rise.
- The separatist faction drafted a manifesto.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in risk analysis regarding regional instability (e.g., 'Political risks include rising separatism in the province.').
Academic
Common in political science, sociology, and history to analyse nationalist movements and state formation.
Everyday
Used in news discussions about regions like Catalonia, Quebec, or Kashmir.
Technical
Used precisely in political theory and international law to describe specific claims to sovereignty.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “separatism”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “separatism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “separatism”
- Using 'separation' when 'separatism' is meant (the latter is the ideology, the former is the act/state).
- Misspelling as 'seperatism'.
- Overusing in informal contexts where 'split' or 'breakaway' would suffice.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is descriptive. Its connotation depends on the speaker's viewpoint. Supporters may frame it as 'liberation' or 'self-determination', while opponents label it as 'divisive' or 'treasonous'.
Nationalism is a broader ideology of pride and identity for a nation. Separatism is a specific form of nationalism that seeks to break away from an existing state to form a new, independent one.
Typically, it is political in nature. Cultural or religious 'separatism' (e.g., living apart from mainstream society) usually still has political implications regarding autonomy and recognition.
To 'secede' is the most common verb for the act separatists aim to achieve. 'Separate' is more general. The noun for a person is 'separatist'.
The advocacy or practice of separation of a group of people from a larger body on the basis of ethnicity, religion, or political ideology.
Separatism is usually formal, academic, political, journalistic. in register.
Separatism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsep(ə)rətɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsep(ə)rəˌtɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A breeding ground for separatism”
- “The seeds of separatism”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SEPARATE-ism' – the ideology of wanting to be separate.
Conceptual Metaphor
Separatism is a DIVORCE (a political/cultural divorce from the larger state). Separatism is a SPLIT (a clean break).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest in meaning to 'separatism'?