noun Uncommon

nationalism

NA-shuh-nuh-lihzm

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Nationalism (noun) means Strong pride in, and loyalty to, one's own nation, often including the belief that it should be independent or put first. Example: “The rise of nationalism across Europe reshaped politics in the 20th century.”

noun

Strong pride in, and loyalty to, one's own nation, often including the belief that it should be independent or put first.

"The rise of nationalism across Europe reshaped politics in the 20th century."

"His speech leaned heavily on nationalism, calling for the country to put itself first."

How to use nationalism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA strong belief in the importance, unity, or independence of one's own nation.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "patriotism" — patriotism is simple love of country, while nationalism usually implies putting that country's interests above others, or pushing for full independence.

Easily confused with

patriotism →

Common pairings

rising nationalism a wave of nationalism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: nationalisms

Test yourself on “nationalism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The rise of _____ across Europe reshaped politics in the 20th century.

Etymology

Borrowed from French nationalisme, built from "national" plus the suffix "-ism," which turns a concept into a movement or belief system.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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patriotism chauvinism jingoism

Antonyms

multiculturalism internationalism antinationalism cosmopolitanism unionism

Related words

racism prejudice patriotism sexism antinationalism chauvinism cosmopolitanism internationalism

Rhymes for nationalism

realism fatalism idealism globalism socialism vandalism federalism radicalism capitalism liberalism surrealism journalism

See all rhymes for nationalism →

Frequently asked questions

What does “nationalism” mean?

The word “nationalism” means strong pride in, and loyalty to, one's own nation, often including the belief that it should be independent or put first. In plain terms, a strong belief in the importance, unity, or independence of one's own nation.

How do you pronounce “nationalism”?

“Nationalism” is pronounced NA-shuh-nuh-lihzm (/ˈnæʃ(ə)nəˌlɪzəm/ in IPA).

How do you use “nationalism” in a sentence?

Here is “nationalism” used in a sentence: “The rise of nationalism across Europe reshaped politics in the 20th century.”

What is the opposite of “nationalism”?

The opposite of “nationalism” — its antonyms — are internationalism, antinationalism, cosmopolitanism and unionism.

What part of speech is “nationalism”?

“Nationalism” is a noun.

Where does the word “nationalism” come from?

The word “nationalism” comes from French. Borrowed from French nationalisme, built from "national" plus the suffix "-ism," which turns a concept into a movement or belief system.

Is “nationalism” a common word?

“Nationalism” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between nationalism and patriotism?

Nationalism refers to strong pride in and loyalty to one's own nation, often including the belief that it should be independent or put first, sometimes above other nations' interests. Patriotism is generally understood as love of one's country without the added element of prioritizing it over others, though the two terms are often used loosely and can overlap in everyday speech.

Is nationalism always about wanting independence?

Not always, but the belief that a nation should be independent or self-governing is a common feature of nationalism. It can also simply involve putting one's own nation's interests first without necessarily seeking independence.

Is nationalism a positive or negative term?

Nationalism is a neutral descriptive term at its core, referring to strong national pride and loyalty, but it is often used with either positive or critical connotations depending on the political context in which it appears.

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11 letter words Words that end with M Words that start with N

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