propaganda

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'propaganda' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to information that is intended to persuade an audience to accept a particular point of view or opinion. For example: The government has been using propaganda to spread their political agenda.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The former European trade commissioner said: "For far too long, those who want to destroy Britain's interests and influence in Europe have been allowed to get away with murder with the lies and false propaganda they have poured out about the European Union and what it represents for our country.

The Guardian

The propaganda flow in a warzone like Gaza is intense.

The Guardian - Opinion

Osama bin Laden's son-in-law, the voice of fiery al-Qaida propaganda videotapes after the September 11 attacks, was convicted Wednesday of conspiring to kill Americans for his role as the terror group's spokesman.

The Guardian

Clinton's campaign has, on numerous occasions, dismissed speculation over the nonprofit's internal dealings as conservative propaganda.

The Guardian

But St Petersburg lawmaker Vitaly Milonov, who is known for drafting legislation that inspired Russia's 2013 law against gay propaganda, praised the administrative arrest and recommended that the women face "corrective labour".

The Guardian

Here, his genius is exploited for a nauseating propaganda purpose – "but he could not do otherwise," recalls Anka.

The Guardian - Music

It won't be defeated until we unite not just in condemning the acts of terrorism, which we all do, but in fighting the poisonous propaganda that the root cause of this terrorism somehow lies with us around this table, and not with them.

The Guardian

It may be that sanctions against Mugabe and his allies have run their course and become counter-productive, gifting Zanu-PF propaganda and excuses.

The Guardian

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

For now, the propaganda is working among large sections of the population, and Putin's approval ratings remain high.

The Guardian

Until the last few weeks the conventional wisdom in Washington, London and Arab capitals was that Isis had been forced on to the back foot, suffering from shortages of cash, weapons and problems of resupply, even if its morale was sustained by a slick propaganda machine that kept attracting recruits.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing the impact of "propaganda", consider the source, target audience, and the specific techniques used to influence opinions. Scrutinize the narrative for biases and hidden agendas.

Common error

Avoid labeling all persuasive communication as "propaganda". "Propaganda" typically involves a deliberate attempt to manipulate opinions through biased or misleading information, often with a political agenda. Not all persuasive efforts meet this criterion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "propaganda" is that of a noun. It refers to a specific type of communication aimed at influencing attitudes, opinions, or behaviors, often with a deliberate bias. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "propaganda" is a grammatically sound noun widely used to describe information designed to influence opinions, often with a bias. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable term, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. Related phrases include "disinformation campaign" and "information warfare". A key writing tip is to avoid overgeneralizing all persuasive communication as "propaganda", reserving the term for deliberate manipulation through biased information. While its connotation is often negative, its usage remains prevalent across diverse discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

misleading information

Focuses on the deceptive nature of the information being disseminated.

disinformation campaign

Highlights the use of deliberately false information to mislead the public.

political spin

Focuses on the way politicians present information to create a favorable impression.

influence operation

Emphasizes a deliberate and planned effort to sway opinions or actions.

information warfare

Focuses on the strategic use of information as a weapon, emphasizing the conflict aspect.

opinion molding

Highlights the process of shaping or influencing public opinion.

public manipulation

Emphasizes the act of controlling or influencing public opinion.

biased reporting

Highlights the presentation of information from a particular viewpoint.

ideological persuasion

Stresses the attempt to convince people to adopt a specific ideology.

mind control tactics

Suggests methods used to dominate or manipulate people's thoughts.

FAQs

How can I use the word "propaganda" in a sentence?

You can use "propaganda" to describe information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view. For example, "The government used "propaganda" to influence public opinion during the war."

What are some synonyms for "propaganda"?

Some synonyms for "propaganda" include "disinformation campaign", "information warfare", and "political spin", each emphasizing different aspects of influencing public opinion.

Is "propaganda" always negative?

While "propaganda" often carries a negative connotation due to its association with biased or misleading information, it can technically refer to any information used to promote a particular cause or viewpoint, regardless of its truthfulness. However, its inherent association is mostly negative.

What's the difference between "propaganda" and "advertising"?

"Propaganda" typically aims to influence political or ideological beliefs, often through emotional appeals and biased information. "Advertising", on the other hand, primarily focuses on promoting products or services to increase sales, generally using factual or persuasive information about the product's features and benefits.