patriotism
PAT-ree-uh-tih-zuhm
Patriotism (noun) means Love of and devotion to one's country; pride in and loyalty toward one's homeland. Example: “The speech was full of patriotism and calls for national unity.”
noun
1
Love of and devotion to one's country; pride in and loyalty toward one's homeland.
""I have the intense patriotism of an immigrant," says Ferguson"
— Lisa Ingrassia, Flying High with Craig Ferguson (2008)
"The most extraordinary positive development in Czechoslovakia since its creation in 1918, the tumultuous outpouring of patriotism and protest was dared by students and intellectuals and soon embraced steel-workers and elderly pensioners."
— Ivana Edwards, A funeral in Prague (1990)
"The speech was full of patriotism and calls for national unity."
"Their patriotism led many young men to volunteer for service."
How to use patriotism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe feeling of pride and loyalty someone has for their own country.
Common mistake
Patriotism (love of country) can shade into nationalism (a belief in the superiority or dominance of one's nation) — the words overlap but aren't identical.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
sense of patriotism
blind patriotism
act of patriotism
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Word forms
- Plural
- patriotisms
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The speech was full of _____ and calls for national unity.
Etymology
Formed from patriot plus the suffix -ism, denoting a belief or attitude.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for patriotism
See all rhymes for patriotism →Frequently asked questions
What does “patriotism” mean?
The word “patriotism” means love of and devotion to one's country; pride in and loyalty toward one's homeland. In plain terms, the feeling of pride and loyalty someone has for their own country.
How do you pronounce “patriotism”?
“Patriotism” is pronounced PAT-ree-uh-tih-zuhm (/ˈpeɪtɹi.əˌtɪzəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “patriotism” in a sentence?
Here is “patriotism” used in a sentence: “The speech was full of patriotism and calls for national unity.”
What part of speech is “patriotism”?
“Patriotism” is a noun.
Is “patriotism” a common word?
“Patriotism” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between patriotism and nationalism?
Patriotism generally refers to love of and pride in one's own country, while nationalism often carries a stronger connotation of belief in that country's superiority over others, sometimes extending to support for aggressive or exclusionary policies. Patriotism is typically viewed as a positive devotion to one's homeland, whereas nationalism is a more contested and politically loaded term.
Can patriotism be expressed in everyday, non-political ways?
Yes, patriotism can be expressed through simple acts of pride and loyalty, such as flying a national flag, celebrating national holidays, or supporting one's country's team in international sports, not only through political or military action.
Is patriotism always considered a positive quality?
Patriotism is generally regarded as a positive expression of loyalty and pride in one's homeland, though how it is expressed and whether it edges into excessive or exclusionary sentiment can be a matter of ongoing debate.
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