nationalistic

USAGE SUMMARY

'nationalistic' is a valid word in written English.
It is an adjective and it is used to describe someone that feels strongly about their country and its traditions. For example: "The politician was extremely nationalistic and campaigned for laws that reflected traditional values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One of my dearest college friends who, by a benign coincidence, has moved into the same North Dublin road I live in describes himself as the "least nationalistic person you know".

The Guardian

Before that, they first had to turn round the nationalistic, populist and corrupt politics of the post-divorce period and get rid of that same leader who decided upon independence for them under the Tugendhat tree.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why do neoliberal political movements usually need to make coalitions with very unliberal nationalistic, xenophobic or religious movements in order to win popular majorities?

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is a subject which raises incredible nationalistic feelings across the generations in China.

The Guardian - Film

Taking place with the blessing of Putin and the Hungarian government, which apparently enabled their entry into the EU, the Wolves' tour has attracted controversy for its nationalistic tone, particularly because the group's members are supporters of pro-Russian forces in Ukraine and, as well as Putin, count Joseph Stalin as their hero.

The Guardian

On a nationalistic scale, this type of work is still beginning, but ideally it would be when men are less resistant and actually supportive of statistics that imply progress towards Gender Equality.

The Guardian

"It's a neo-liberal party," she says of the ruling Civic Platform (PO), adding that the nationalistic and ultra-conservative Law and Justice (PiS), not a natural favourite of the artistic community, has done more to promote culture than the pro-European PO.

The Guardian

The club, which is estimated to have several thousand members, is strongly nationalistic and Slavocentric, conducting runs to Russian Orthodox holy sites.

The Guardian

Although both parties are conservative, Civic Platform has a more liberal stance on issues such as IVF and is more pro-European than Law and Justice, which has a nationalistic streak and has demanded more sovereignty from Brussels.

The Guardian

Otherwise, many more innocent Americans will become targets for hate by those swept up in nationalistic or militaristic sentiment based on little more than xenophobia.

The Guardian - Opinion

Liberals worry that their children are being taught a nationalistic version of history that emphasises the wonders of industrialisation and plays down slavery and the slaughter of Indian tribes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing political movements, use "nationalistic" to highlight their focus on national identity and interests. Be mindful of the term's potential negative connotations, such as exclusion or aggression.

Common error

Avoid using "nationalistic" interchangeably with "patriotic". While both relate to love of country, "nationalistic" often implies a sense of superiority or antagonism towards other nations, which is not always present in patriotism.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "nationalistic" primarily functions to modify nouns, describing something as relating to or characterized by nationalism. Ludwig AI confirms it's a valid adjective. It is a word that often carries strong connotations, suggesting a strong sense of national identity and sometimes, a belief in national superiority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "nationalistic" is an adjective used to describe something related to nationalism. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news and media contexts, often with neutral or negative connotations, as it can imply a belief in national superiority or exclusion. When writing, it's important to distinguish "nationalistic" from "patriotic", and consider the specific context to avoid unintended implications. Several alternatives, like "patriotic", "chauvinistic" and "jingoistic", offer different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nationalist

A more general term referring to an ideology or movement focused on national identity and interests.

patriotic

Emphasizes love for and pride in one's country, focusing on positive sentiments.

chauvinistic

Implies an aggressive and excessive form of patriotism, often belittling other nations.

jingoistic

Suggests belligerent foreign policy advocacy based on nationalistic fervor.

zealously patriotic

Highlights an intense and fervent devotion to one's nation.

ultranationalistic

Indicates an extreme form of nationalism, often associated with exclusion and hostility towards foreigners.

excessively patriotic

Suggests a level of patriotism that is beyond what is considered reasonable or moderate.

nation-centered

Focuses on prioritizing the interests and values of a single nation.

nationalist-minded

Emphasizes a mindset and perspective that prioritizes national interests.

flag-waving

Describes an ostentatious and often superficial display of patriotism.

FAQs

How can I use "nationalistic" in a sentence?

You can use "nationalistic" to describe ideologies, policies, or sentiments that prioritize the interests and values of a particular nation. For example: "The leader's "nationalistic rhetoric" stirred strong emotions among the population."

What's the difference between "nationalistic" and patriotic?

"Nationalistic" often suggests a belief in the superiority of one's nation and can sometimes imply hostility towards other countries. "Patriotic", on the other hand, generally refers to a love for and pride in one's country without necessarily implying negative views of other nations.

What are some synonyms for "nationalistic"?

Synonyms for "nationalistic" include "patriotic", "chauvinistic", "jingoistic", and "ultranationalistic". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "nationalistic" in a positive context?

While "nationalistic" isn't inherently negative, it often carries connotations of exclusion or aggression. Consider whether a more neutral term like "patriotic" would be more appropriate if you want to express love for one's country in a positive and inclusive way.