Environmentalist: meaning, definitions and examples

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environmentalist

 

[ ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmɛntəlɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

active in the protection of the natural environment

An environmentalist is a person who is concerned about the protection of the environment and takes actions to preserve and improve it. Environmentalists may work in various fields such as conservation, sustainability, and advocacy for environmental policies.

Synonyms

conservationist, ecologist, green activist.

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Word Description / Examples
environmentalist

Used to describe someone who is concerned with or advocates for the protection of the natural environment as a whole. This term is general and can apply to various aspects of environmental issues.

  • The environmentalist gave a speech on the importance of reducing plastic waste.
  • As an environmentalist, she participated in tree-planting activities.
conservationist

Best used when referring to someone who works specifically on protecting and preserving natural resources, wildlife, and habitats. Often focuses on maintaining the balance of ecosystems.

  • The conservationist worked tirelessly to save the endangered species.
  • Conservationists are lobbying for stricter laws against deforestation.
ecologist

Typically describes a scientist or researcher who studies the relationships between organisms and their environments. The term is more academic and specific to ecological science.

  • The ecologist is conducting a study on the effects of climate change on coral reefs.
  • Ecologists have reported a significant loss of biodiversity in the area.
green activist

Refers to someone actively involved in campaigning for environmental issues, often through protests, advocacy, and public awareness campaigns. This term can carry a sense of political or social activism.

  • The green activist organized a march against fossil fuel subsidies.
  • Green activists helped raise awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution.

Examples of usage

  • Many environmentalists protested against the construction of the new highway through the national park.
  • The environmentalist gave a presentation on the importance of recycling to reduce waste.
Context #2 | Noun

believing in or supporting the protection of the environment

An environmentalist is someone who believes in the importance of protecting the natural world and supports efforts to reduce pollution, conserve resources, and combat climate change. Environmentalists often advocate for sustainable practices and policies to ensure a healthier planet for future generations.

Synonyms

nature lover, planet advocate, tree hugger.

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Word Description / Examples
environmentalist

A person who is actively concerned with the protection and preservation of the environment, often participating in or supporting policies and actions aimed at environmental conservation.

  • The environmentalist attended the rally to protest deforestation
  • Working as an environmentalist, she helps promote recycling programs in her community
nature lover

Someone who enjoys and appreciates the beauty of nature, often spending time outdoors but not necessarily involved in activism or policy.

  • As a nature lover, he spends his weekends hiking and birdwatching
  • The nature lover takes photographs of waterfalls and mountains
tree hugger

A colloquial and often slightly derogatory term for someone who is perceived as overly concerned with environmental issues, particularly those involving trees and forests.

  • They called him a tree hugger when he chained himself to the oak to prevent it from being cut down
  • Despite being labeled a tree hugger, she continued to fight for the preservation of local parks
planet advocate

A person who actively speaks out or campaigns for the protection of the Earth, focusing on raising awareness and influencing public opinions and policies.

  • The planet advocate gave a speech about climate change at the town hall meeting
  • She writes articles as a planet advocate to encourage more people to reduce plastic use

Examples of usage

  • The politician described himself as an environmentalist and promised to prioritize environmental issues in his campaign.
  • She became an environmentalist after witnessing the effects of deforestation in her community.

Translations

Translations of the word "environmentalist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ambientalista

🇮🇳 पर्यावरणविद्

🇩🇪 Umweltschützer

🇮🇩 ahli lingkungan

🇺🇦 еколог

🇵🇱 ekolog

🇯🇵 環境保護主義者

🇫🇷 écologiste

🇪🇸 ambientalista

🇹🇷 çevreci

🇰🇷 환경운동가

🇸🇦 ناشط بيئي

🇨🇿 ekolog

🇸🇰 ekológ

🇨🇳 环境保护主义者

🇸🇮 okoljevarstvenik

🇮🇸 umhverfisverndarsinni

🇰🇿 эколог

🇬🇪 გარემოსდამცველი

🇦🇿 ekoloq

🇲🇽 ambientalista

Etymology

The term 'environmentalist' originated in the mid-20th century as a response to growing concerns about pollution, deforestation, and other environmental issues. Environmentalists have played a crucial role in raising awareness about the need to protect the planet and have been instrumental in advocating for policies to address climate change and biodiversity loss.

See also: environment, environmental, environmentalism, environments.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,707, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.