nationalist
nationalist — noun
1. a person who actively supports their nation's right to become a separate, self-g
a person who actively supports their nation's right to become a separate, self-governing country, especially when that nation is currently part of a larger state or empire.
Sari joined the protest alongside other nationalists calling for a free state.
calling for + free state (independence collocation)
During the 1960s, nationalist movements across Africa fought for self-rule.
nationalist movements (collective noun in historical context)
The colonial officers arrested several nationalists for distributing banned pamphlets.
Maeve's grandfather was a well-known nationalist who helped design the new constitution.
Christopher wrote a book about nationalists who rebuilt the country after the war.
- separatist
narrower — specifically wants to break away from an existing state, not just achieve independence
- independence campaigner
more neutral and descriptive; less ideological
- freedom fighter
emotive term, often used by supporters of the cause
- self-determination advocate
broader; may apply to any group seeking autonomy, not just a nation
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2: this sense focuses on the goal of political independence and self-determination, not on belief in national superiority. Subject is typically a person or group acting in a political context.
常見錯誤
2. a person who holds a strong, often unquestioning belief that their own country,
a person who holds a strong, often unquestioning belief that their own country, culture, and way of life are superior to all others.
Critics described the politician as a nationalist who looks down on foreign cultures.
looks down on (collocation with dismissive attitude)
Ilan's uncle is an ardent nationalist who believes their cuisine is the finest.
ardent nationalist (strong adjective collocation)
Some nationalists refuse to buy imports, insisting that local products are always better.
Chidi's speech made him sound like a nationalist who sees outsiders as a threat.
The online forum attracts nationalists who praise their country's history above all else.
- chauvinist
stronger and more negative; implies aggressive or hostile superiority
- jingoist
even more extreme; suggests aggressive foreign policy and militarism
- supremacist
focuses on racial or ethnic superiority rather than national
- xenophobe
focuses on fear or hatred of foreigners, not pride in one's own country
- cosmopolitan
someone who sees themselves as a citizen of the world, valuing diversity over national pride
- internationalist
believes in cooperation between nations rather than national superiority
用法筆記
Often carries a mildly negative or disapproving tone, implying excessive pride or prejudice. Can be modified by adjectives such as 'ardent', 'extreme', or 'proud' to indicate degree. Distinguish from sense 1 by checking whether the context involves independence (sense 1) or superiority (sense 2).
常見錯誤
nationalist — adjective
1. describing a person, group, activity, or policy that supports a nation's right t
describing a person, group, activity, or policy that supports a nation's right to become politically independent and self-governing.
The nationalist party won the election on a promise of full independence.
nationalist party (political collocation)
Several nationalist newspapers openly called for an end to foreign rule.
The crowd waved nationalist flags during the independence day parade.
Ryo supports a nationalist movement that wants his region to govern itself.
The government banned all nationalist activity in the months after the uprising.
- pro-independence
more specific and neutral; focuses on the goal of independence without ideological overtones
- separatist
implies a desire to break away and form a separate state, often used for regions
- patriotic
broader — love of country without necessarily demanding political change
用法筆記
Primarily used attributively before a noun in political discourse. Common noun partners include 'movement', 'party', 'leader', 'cause', 'struggle'. Can also appear predicatively: 'Their views are nationalist.'
2. describing a person, attitude, remark, or policy that is based on the strong bel
describing a person, attitude, remark, or policy that is based on the strong belief that one's own country and its way of life are better than those of other nations.
The coach's nationalist remarks about foreign teams caused a public outcry.
nationalist remarks + public outcry (reaction pattern)
Some parents complained about the school's nationalist speech at the morning assembly.
The newspaper published a series of nationalist articles praising their native traditions.
Nationalist sentiments grew stronger after the team won the international championship.
Stephanie felt uncomfortable with her colleague's nationalist jokes about other cultures.
- chauvinistic
more aggressive and negative; implies hostility toward other nations
- jingoistic
even more extreme; associated with aggressive military nationalism
- ethnocentric
academic term; judging other cultures by the standards of one's own
- xenophobic
focuses on fear or dislike of foreigners rather than pride in one's own
- cosmopolitan
embracing global diversity rather than elevating one nation
- internationalist
favouring cooperation between nations over national pride
用法筆記
Often conveys disapproval or criticism when describing someone's views. Common in phrases such as 'nationalist sentiment', 'nationalist rhetoric', or 'nationalist agenda'. Distinguish from sense 1 by context: sense 2 appears in discussions of pride and prejudice rather than campaigns for independence.