patriotism

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'patriotism' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong feeling of loyalty and devotion to one's country. For example, "The soldiers' patriotism was evident during their service in the armed forces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its efforts to equate patriotism with support for the party leave many patriots who are critics of the party feeling left out.

The Economist

The satirical poet Dmitry Bykov even penned verses comparing the effects of war, propaganda and tub-thumping patriotism on the Russian currency and a penis: as the latter gets harder and more excited with Russia's conquests, the former falls to new lows.

The Guardian

Some scams appeal to veterans' sense of loyalty and patriotism by employing affinity marketing – using military and US related paraphernalia.

The Guardian - Money

Mbalula made a plea to the South African media on Wednesday that may well backfire: "Don't be the first to chase us about bribes when we did not bribe … There is sovereignty and patriotism.

The Guardian - Sport

Just a few hours later, EDL leader Stephen Lennon told the crowd they were part of a "tidal wave of patriotism" that was sweeping the UK.

The Guardian

His view represented a higher patriotism: a loyalty and affection that, rather than ignoring blemishes, accepts that removing them is the obligation of affection.

The Guardian - Opinion

Appeals to patriotism were efficacious both with regard to the original issue in 1917 and to the conversion in 1932.

The Guardian - Business

By March 1933, when appeals to patriotism by Chancellor Neville Chamberlain persuaded people to lose money by taking up a 3.5% coupon for the original 5% – times were hard!

The Guardian - Business

"You have to come up with a better notion of patriotism – recapture the flag, as we put it in the States, from the bigots.

The Guardian

It was then that I realised that much of what Miller thought, believed and wrote was built on patriotism - the belief in a better America than the country McCarthy had polluted.

The Guardian - Opinion

We need to be tougher on welfare and immigration, tougher on conservative values like discipline and character in school, more supportive of communities and patriotism: in short less of leftie social liberalism and of Maggie's economic version, more of the reverse.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "patriotism", be mindful of the context and avoid equating it solely with support for a particular political party or ideology. Genuine "patriotism" involves a commitment to the well-being of the nation and its people, even when disagreeing with specific policies.

Common error

Avoid using "patriotism" when the context suggests aggressive nationalism or a belief in national superiority. Jingoism is a more accurate term for such sentiments.

Linguistic Context

Patriotism functions primarily as a noun, representing the abstract concept of love for and devotion to one's country. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and the examples demonstrate its role in describing sentiments and actions related to national identity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "patriotism" is a noun that signifies love, devotion, and a sense of duty toward one's country. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage and appropriateness across diverse contexts. As evidenced by the numerous examples, "patriotism" is frequently used in News & Media, and while generally neutral in register, can vary based on context. Common usage involves expressing national pride and motivating actions perceived as beneficial to the nation. It is crucial to differentiate "patriotism" from jingoism and avoid equating it solely with political alignment. Related concepts include "national loyalty" and "love of country".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

love of country

Emphasizes affection and fondness for one's nation.

national devotion

Highlights dedication and commitment to the well-being of the nation.

national loyalty

Focuses specifically on allegiance and faithfulness to one's nation.

allegiance to the nation

Highlights the concept of being bound to support one's nation.

national pride

Emphasizes a feeling of satisfaction in the achievements and characteristics of one's nation.

nationalism

Related to patriotism but implies a sense of national superiority or exclusivity.

civic virtue

Shifts the focus to responsible and ethical conduct as a citizen.

civic duty

Highlights the obligations and responsibilities of citizens to their nation.

sense of belonging

Focuses on the feeling of being connected to and part of a national community.

zealous nationalism

Implies an intense and often fanatical form of nationalism.

FAQs

How can I use "patriotism" in a sentence?

You can use "patriotism" to describe a feeling of love, devotion, and sense of duty to one's country. For example: "His "patriotism" inspired him to serve in the military."

What is the difference between "patriotism" and "nationalism"?

"Patriotism" generally refers to love and devotion to one's country, while "nationalism" can imply a belief in the superiority of one's nation and a desire for its dominance.

Is "patriotism" always a positive trait?

While "patriotism" is often seen as a virtue, it can become problematic if it leads to blind loyalty, intolerance of others, or support for unjust actions.

What are some signs of "patriotism"?

Signs of "patriotism" can include respecting national symbols, participating in civic activities, and advocating for the well-being of one's country and its citizens.