Bolshevik: meaning, definitions and examples

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Bolshevik

 

[ ˈbəʊlʃəvɪk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

Russian revolution

A member of the majority faction of the Russian Social Democratic Party, which was renamed the Communist Party after seizing power in the October Revolution of 1917.

Synonyms

communist, revolutionary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
Bolshevik

Same as above; used to describe a member or supporter of the Bolshevik Party. The term can be used in modern discourse to refer to someone who is seen as radical or extreme in their political views.

  • She was accused of being a Bolshevik due to her radical political ideas.
communist

Used more broadly and generally to describe someone who supports or believes in the principles of communism, a political and economic ideology that aims for a classless and stateless society. Often used in discussions about political ideologies or economic systems.

  • As a committed communist, he advocated for the redistribution of wealth.
  • The communist theory seeks to eliminate the disparities between the rich and poor.
revolutionary

Used to describe someone who advocates for or participates in a sudden, significant, and often violent change in political power or organizational structures. This term can be used in various contexts, from politics to technology.

  • Che Guevara is often seen as a revolutionary who sought to overthrow oppressive regimes.
  • The new software introduced a revolutionary way of managing data.

Examples of usage

  • The Bolsheviks played a key role in the Russian Revolution.
  • Lenin was a prominent Bolshevik leader.
Context #2 | Noun

Politics

A person with politically extreme left-wing views.

Synonyms

extremist, radical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
Bolshevik

Use when discussing historical or political contexts, especially related to the Russian Revolution and the early Soviet Union. Often refers to members of the Bolshevik Party that led the October Revolution in 1917.

  • The Bolshevik Revolution fundamentally changed the course of Russian history.
  • Lenin was a leading figure among the Bolsheviks.
radical

Use to describe someone who wants complete social or political reform and supports drastic changes to achieve this. The term can be neutral or negative depending on the context.

  • The new policies were influenced by radical thinkers who demanded swift changes.
  • He was known for his radical views on economic reform.
extremist

Use when describing someone who holds extreme political or religious views and may act aggressively to support these views. Typically carries a negative connotation.

  • The government is cracking down on extremist groups to ensure national security.
  • Extremist ideologies can lead to violent conflicts.

Examples of usage

  • He is often referred to as a Bolshevik due to his radical beliefs.
  • The party was divided between moderates and Bolsheviks.

Translations

Translations of the word "Bolshevik" in other languages:

🇵🇹 Bolchevique

🇮🇳 बोल्शेविक

🇩🇪 Bolschewik

🇮🇩 Bolshevik

🇺🇦 Більшовик

🇵🇱 Bolszewik

🇯🇵 ボルシェビキ

🇫🇷 Bolchevik

🇪🇸 Bolchevique

🇹🇷 Bolşevik

🇰🇷 볼셰비키

🇸🇦 بلشفي

🇨🇿 Bolševik

🇸🇰 Boľševik

🇨🇳 布尔什维克 (Bù'ěrshíwéikè)

🇸🇮 Boljševis

🇮🇸 Bolsévik

🇰🇿 Бальшевик

🇬🇪 ბოლშევიკი (Bolsheviki)

🇦🇿 Bolşevik

🇲🇽 Bolchevique

Etymology

The term 'Bolshevik' originated from the Russian word 'bol'shinstvo', meaning 'majority', as the Bolsheviks were the majority faction of the Russian Social Democratic Party. Led by Vladimir Lenin, the Bolsheviks played a crucial role in the October Revolution of 1917, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Soviet Union. The Bolsheviks advocated for the overthrow of the capitalist system and the establishment of a socialist society. The term 'Bolshevik' is often used to describe individuals or groups with radical left-wing political views.