propaganda
Propaganda (noun) means information, often biased or misleading, spread to influence public opinion or promote a cause. Example: “The regime used propaganda to convince citizens the war was going well.”
How to Use Propaganda
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBiased or misleading information designed to push an agenda or belief.
Word Forms
propagandas plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The regime used _____ to convince citizens the war was going well.
Etymology
From New Latin prōpaganda, short for Congregātiō dē Prōpāgandā Fidē ("congregation for propagating the faith"), a Catholic missionary committee founded in 1622. The political sense, and its negative connotation, emerged around World War I.
Related Words
Rhymes for propaganda
See all rhymes for propaganda →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “propaganda” mean?
The word “propaganda” means information, often biased or misleading, spread to influence public opinion or promote a cause. In plain terms, biased or misleading information designed to push an agenda or belief.
How do you pronounce “propaganda”?
“Propaganda” is pronounced pro-puh-GAN-duh (/ˌpɹɑpəˈɡændə/ in IPA).
How do you use “propaganda” in a sentence?
Here is “propaganda” used in a sentence: “The regime used propaganda to convince citizens the war was going well.”
What part of speech is “propaganda”?
“Propaganda” is a noun.
Where does the word “propaganda” come from?
The word “propaganda” dates back to around 1622 and comes from New Latin.
Is “propaganda” a common word?
“Propaganda” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between propaganda and advertising?
Both aim to influence people, but propaganda spreads information, often biased or misleading, to shape public opinion or promote a political, social, or religious cause. Advertising specifically promotes products or services and is usually commercial in purpose.
What is the difference between propaganda and news?
News aims to report facts objectively and inform the public. Propaganda is designed to persuade, often using biased, selective, or misleading information to promote a particular cause or viewpoint.
Is propaganda always negative?
In modern usage propaganda carries strongly negative connotations, suggesting manipulation and bias. The word once referred more neutrally to the spreading of information or ideas, but today it usually implies misleading persuasion.
Is propaganda singular or plural?
Propaganda is an uncountable, or mass, noun and takes a singular verb, as in the propaganda was effective. It is not normally used in a plural form.