noun
Uncommon
leftist
LEHF-tihst
Leftist (noun) means a person holding left-wing political views. Example: “The leftist candidate campaigned on expanding public healthcare.”
noun
1
A person holding left-wing political views.
"The leftist candidate campaigned on expanding public healthcare."
adj
1
Relating to or supporting left-wing politics.
"The magazine has a distinctly leftist editorial stance."
How to use leftist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone or something aligned with left-wing politics.
When to use it
Can be neutral or used dismissively depending on the speaker's politics.
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Word forms
- Plural
- leftists
- Comparative
- more leftist
- Superlative
- most leftist
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ candidate campaigned on expanding public healthcare.
Etymology
From left plus the suffix -ist, "one who follows or supports."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “leftist” mean?
The word “leftist” means a person holding left-wing political views. In plain terms, someone or something aligned with left-wing politics.
How do you pronounce “leftist”?
“Leftist” is pronounced LEHF-tihst (/ˈlɛf.tɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “leftist” in a sentence?
Here is “leftist” used in a sentence: “The leftist candidate campaigned on expanding public healthcare.”
What part of speech is “leftist”?
Depending on how it is used, “leftist” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “leftist” a common word?
“Leftist” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “leftist” have?
“Leftist” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person holding left-wing political views.
What is the difference between a leftist and a liberal?
A leftist generally holds views further to the left on the political spectrum, often favoring significant structural or economic change, while a liberal typically supports gradual reform within existing systems. The terms overlap but leftist usually implies a stronger, more overtly left-wing political identity.
Is leftist used as a neutral term or an insult?
Leftist can be used neutrally to describe someone with left-wing political views, but it is also frequently used as a dismissive or pejorative label by political opponents. Context and tone usually determine whether the word is meant descriptively or critically.
Can leftist be used as an adjective as well as a noun?
Yes, leftist functions both as a noun for a person holding left-wing views and as an adjective describing something relating to or supporting left-wing politics, as in 'leftist policies' or 'a leftist government'.
