nationalist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nationalist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person or group that advocates for the interests of their nation, often emphasizing national sovereignty and identity. Example: "The politician's nationalist rhetoric resonated with many voters who felt their cultural identity was under threat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The news came as a surprise to nationalist colleagues, although Mr Mallon is a year older than Mr Hume, who is retiring on health grounds.

The Guardian

"Thirteen support Nihon Kaigi, a nationalist think-tank that advocates a return to 'traditional values' and rejects Japan's 'apology diplomacy' for its wartime misdeeds.

The New York Times

From a family of lifelong Labour supporters, she emerged as a nationalist during last year's referendum campaign, giving up her job in the Pizza Mario chip shop to concentrate on politics.

The Guardian

That the party concerned is the Social Democratic Labour party (SDLP) throws into sharp relief that the de facto coalition of Irish nationalist forces has split.

The Guardian

But there is also opportunity in the new fluidity for all those aspiring third and fourth parties that are elbowing their way into the mainstream debate – from the Greens setting their sights on the Lib Dem votes to Ukip (doing the same to the Tories) and assorted nationalist aspirations, most boldly expressed by Alex Salmond.

The Guardian

At present, its main nationalist rivals, the SDLP, are in disarray, having lost their leader, Mark Durkan, in mid-September and having no direction as to where to go in the future.

The Guardian

David Ford said powers for the head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to oversee NCA inquiries could be put down in legislation to assuage nationalist parties' concerns over the accountability of the agency's operations there.

The Guardian

It also signified that Zhang, who hailed from a family with a Chinese nationalist past and was once seen as a subversive film-maker, had been welcomed into the fold of official Communist party approval.

The Guardian - Film

And all the while he had to rebut nationalist claims that the whole no operation was a Westminster stitch-up.

The Guardian - Opinion

The veteran leader of the nationalist SDLP, John Hume, greeted the IRA announcement as "a very welcome statement".

The Guardian

A Russian nationalist organisation later said on social media that 70 Lokomotiv fans had taken part in the assault using traumatic pistols (handguns that fire rubber bullets).

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about the type of nationalism you are referring to (e.g., cultural nationalism, economic nationalism) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Do not assume that all "nationalist" movements share the same goals or ideologies. Each movement is unique and shaped by its own historical and social context.

Linguistic Context

Nationalist" functions as both a noun and an adjective. As a noun, it refers to an advocate of nationalism. As an adjective, it describes something related to nationalism. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage of the term in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "nationalist" is commonly used in English, functioning as both a noun and an adjective, primarily within the context of News & Media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately describes individuals or ideologies associated with nationalism. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to be mindful of its connotations and the specific type of nationalism being discussed. Related terms include "patriot" and "chauvinist", each carrying slightly different nuances. When writing about "nationalist" movements, avoid generalizations and recognize the unique characteristics of each. Use the term accurately to contribute towards clear and unbiased communication in articles, essays and speeches.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nationalistic

Adjectival form, describing qualities associated with nationalism.

patriot

Emphasizes love and devotion to one's country, often in a more positive light than "nationalist".

national identity advocate

More descriptive term emphasizing the promotion and defense of a nation's unique cultural and historical characteristics.

loyalist

Highlights allegiance to a particular cause, government, or sovereign.

chauvinist

Implies an excessive or prejudiced loyalty to one's own group or nation.

jingoist

Suggests extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy.

ethnocentrist

Emphasizes the superiority of one's own ethnic group or culture.

statist

Focuses on the role of the state and its control over economic and social affairs.

separatist

Advocates for the separation of a particular group or region from a larger entity.

home ruler

Refers to someone advocating for local autonomy within a larger political structure.

FAQs

How can "nationalist" be used in a sentence?

You can use "nationalist" to describe a person who advocates for national interests, as in, "He is a staunch nationalist". It can also describe ideologies, for example, "The party's nationalist platform appealed to many voters".

What is the difference between a "nationalist" and a "patriot"?

While both terms involve love for one's country, "nationalist" often implies a stronger emphasis on national identity and sovereignty, sometimes at the expense of international cooperation, while "patriot" typically focuses on love and support for one's country without necessarily advocating for aggressive nationalism.

What are some potential negative connotations of the word "nationalist"?

The term "nationalist" can sometimes be associated with xenophobia, isolationism, and aggressive foreign policies. It's important to be aware of these connotations and use the term carefully.

Are there different types of "nationalist" movements?

Yes, there are many different types of "nationalist" movements, including cultural nationalism, economic nationalism, and political nationalism. Each type emphasizes different aspects of national identity and interests.