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noun Common

propaganda

pro-puh-GAN-duh
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Propaganda (noun) means Information, often biased or misleading, spread to influence public opinion or promote a cause. Example: “The leaflets were pure propaganda, designed to make the company look perfect.”

noun
1
Information, often biased or misleading, spread to influence public opinion or promote a cause.
"The leaflets were pure propaganda, designed to make the company look perfect."
"The regime used propaganda to convince citizens the war was going well."
"Historians study old wartime posters as examples of propaganda."

How to use propaganda

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBiased or misleading information designed to push an agenda or belief.

Common pairings
spread propaganda wartime propaganda political propaganda
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Word forms

Plural
propagandas
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Fill the gap

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The leaflets were pure _____, designed to make the company look perfect.

Etymology

From New Latin prōpaganda, short for Congregātiō dē Prōpāgandā Fidē ("congregation for propagating the faith"), a Catholic missionary committee founded in 1622. The political sense, and its negative connotation, emerged around World War I.

Origin: New Latin · First attested 1622

Class of 1622 propaganda joined the language around 1622.
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Synonyms

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disinformation indoctrination spin publicity agitprop misinformation

Related words

public turn English lie marketing roll advertising promotion

Rhymes for propaganda

Anda panda Wanda Manda vanda Handa Nanda Kanda Rwanda Uganda Amanda Chanda
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Frequently asked questions

What does “propaganda” mean?
The word “propaganda” means information, often biased or misleading, spread to influence public opinion or promote a cause. In plain terms, biased or misleading information designed to push an agenda or belief.
How do you pronounce “propaganda”?
“Propaganda” is pronounced pro-puh-GAN-duh (/ˌpɹɑpəˈɡændə/ in IPA).
How do you use “propaganda” in a sentence?
Here is “propaganda” used in a sentence: “The regime used propaganda to convince citizens the war was going well.”
What part of speech is “propaganda”?
“Propaganda” is a noun.
Where does the word “propaganda” come from?
The word “propaganda” dates back to around 1622 and comes from New Latin.
Is “propaganda” a common word?
“Propaganda” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between propaganda and advertising?
Both aim to influence people, but propaganda spreads information, often biased or misleading, to shape public opinion or promote a political, social, or religious cause. Advertising specifically promotes products or services and is usually commercial in purpose.
What is the difference between propaganda and news?
News aims to report facts objectively and inform the public. Propaganda is designed to persuade, often using biased, selective, or misleading information to promote a particular cause or viewpoint.
Is propaganda always negative?
In modern usage propaganda carries strongly negative connotations, suggesting manipulation and bias. The word once referred more neutrally to the spreading of information or ideas, but today it usually implies misleading persuasion.
Is propaganda singular or plural?
Propaganda is an uncountable, or mass, noun and takes a singular verb, as in the propaganda was effective. It is not normally used in a plural form.

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