leftist
Leftist (noun) means a person holding left-wing political views. Example: “The leftist candidate campaigned on expanding public healthcare.”
How to use leftist
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone or something aligned with left-wing politics.
Can be neutral or used dismissively depending on the speaker's politics.
Word forms
more leftist comparative, leftists plural, most leftist superlative
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
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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'.