noun

populism

POP-yuh-liz-uhm

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Populism (noun) means Populism is a political doctrine holding that a privileged elite takes advantage of ordinary people, and backs their fight to change that. Example: “The party built its platform on populism, promising to stand up for working families against big business.”

noun

politics Populism is a political doctrine holding that a privileged elite takes advantage of ordinary people, and backs their fight to change that.

"The party built its platform on populism, promising to stand up for working families against big business."

"Historians trace this wave of populism back to farmers' movements of the nineteenth century."

"Her speech leaned heavily on populism, pitting the people against the political establishment."

derogatory Populism, used disapprovingly, means courting what ordinary people want and think rather than pursuing sound policy.

"Critics dismissed the policy as cheap populism designed to win votes."

"Journalists accused the candidate of populism rather than serious policy-making."

"Some commentators see the tax cut as pure populism ahead of the election."

How to use populism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishPopulism means politics built around claiming to speak for ordinary people against the elite.

When to use it

It appears mainly in political and journalistic writing rather than everyday chat.

Memory tip

Notice the two sides of the word: it can name a genuine political movement or be used as a criticism, so check the context.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a wave of populism right-wing populism left-wing populism accuse someone of populism

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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”.

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The party built its platform on _____, promising to stand up for working families against big business.

Etymology

Populism comes from the Latin word populus, meaning people, combined with the English suffix -ism, which forms nouns naming doctrines or practices.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for populism

botulism masculism

See all rhymes for populism →

Frequently asked questions

What does populism mean?

It is a political approach that claims to represent ordinary people against a privileged elite.

Is populism always used negatively?

Not always, but it is often used disapprovingly to suggest a politician is chasing popularity rather than sound policy.

Where does the word populism come from?

It comes from the Latin populus, meaning people, plus the suffix -ism.

What is the meaning of populism?

"populism" (noun) means populism is a political doctrine holding that a privileged elite takes advantage of ordinary people, and backs their fight to change that.