noun
internationalism
in-tuh-NASH-uh-nul-iz-um
Internationalism (noun) means the belief in or practice of countries working together across political, economic and cultural lines. Example: “The treaty was praised as a triumph of internationalism.”
noun
1
The belief in or practice of countries working together across political, economic and cultural lines.
"The treaty was praised as a triumph of internationalism."
"She believes in internationalism rather than each country acting alone."
"Postwar internationalism led to new organisations for cooperation between states."
2
technical A word borrowed across many languages, keeping much the same meaning and origin in each.
"The word taxi is an internationalism found in many languages."
"Linguists list internationalisms when comparing vocabulary across languages."
How to use internationalism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCountries working together, or a word shared across many languages.
When to use it
The political sense is common in news and academic writing.
Common pairings
liberal internationalism
postwar internationalism
spirit of internationalism
champion internationalism
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The treaty was praised as a triumph of _____.
Etymology
The word is formed in English from international and the suffix -ism.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for internationalism
realism
idealism
socialism
vandalism
federalism
radicalism
capitalism
liberalism
surrealism
journalism
materialism
cannibalism
See all rhymes for internationalism →
Frequently asked questions
What does internationalism mean in politics?
It is the belief in, or practice of, nations working together in politics, economics and culture.
What is an internationalism in linguistics?
It is a word shared by many languages, each borrowing it with much the same meaning and source.
What is the opposite of internationalism?
Nationalism is the usual opposite of the political sense.
What is the meaning of internationalism?
"internationalism" (noun) means the belief in or practice of countries working together across political, economic and cultural lines.
