Hardliner: meaning, definitions and examples

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hardliner

[ˈhɑːrdˌlaɪnər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

politics

A hardliner is someone who takes a strict, inflexible position on a particular issue and is unwilling to compromise.

Synonyms

extremist, stickler, zealot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hardliner	A 'hardliner' is typically used to describe someone who has very strict and uncompromising views, especially in politics or policy matters. Their stance is usually firm and they rarely show flexibility. The senator is considered a hardliner when it comes to national security policies. She is a hardliner on immigration reforms, not willing to consider any compromises.
zealot	A 'zealot' is someone who is passionately devoted to a cause, often to an extreme degree. This word carries a negative connotation, implying that the person’s fervor may be over-the-top or fanatical. The environmental zealot refused to use anything that wasn't recyclable. He was seen as a zealot, always preaching about his beliefs regardless of the audience.
extremist	An 'extremist' is someone who holds extreme, radical views and is often associated with actions or beliefs that go far beyond what is considered reasonable or normal. This word often carries a negative connotation and is linked to views that might be harmful or dangerous. The group was labeled as extremists due to their radical views on government reform. He was considered an extremist because of his advocacy for violent protests.
stickler	A 'stickler' is used to describe someone who insists on a certain quality or standard, often concerning rules, details, or procedures. It usually has a more neutral or mildly negative connotation. She is a stickler for punctuality, always arriving ten minutes early to every meeting. As a stickler for grammar, he often corrected his friends' texts.

Examples of usage

The hardliner in the negotiations refused to consider any concessions.
The party's hardliners called for a tougher stance on immigration.
The president's appointment of a hardliner as the new chief of staff signaled a shift in policy direction.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

A hardliner can also refer to a person who advocates for a strict or uncompromising approach in any situation.

Synonyms

diehard, purist, rigorist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hardliner	Often used in political or organizational settings to describe someone with a firm, uncompromising stance on certain issues. This term can have a somewhat negative connotation, implying inflexibility. The new policy was supported by hardliners within the party. Hardliners are refusing to negotiate any changes to the existing agreement.
rigorist	Typically used in religious or moral contexts to describe someone who adheres strictly to rules and principles. This term often implies a level of severity or inflexibility. The community saw him as a rigorist who strictly followed every tenet of the faith. Her rigorist approach to ethics left little room for compromise.
purist	Describes someone who insists on preserving traditional practices or interpretations, especially in the arts, language, or specific fields of study. Can imply a positive dedication to standards but also a possible resistance to innovation. As a language purist, she frowned upon any use of slang or colloquialisms. The chef is a purist, insisting on using only traditional methods and ingredients.
diehard	Used to describe a person who resists change and holds steadfastly to a particular belief or practice, often despite changing circumstances. This term is less formal and can be used in both serious and more light-hearted contexts. She's a diehard fan of the band, attending every concert since they started. Despite the new evidence, he remained a diehard skeptic of climate change.

Examples of usage

She was known as a hardliner when it came to enforcing the company's rules.
The teacher was seen as a hardliner by the students because of her strict discipline.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'hardliner' first emerged in the political arena in the late 20th century to describe those with uncompromising positions.
The word combines 'hard,' meaning firm or strict, with 'liner,' indicating a person defining a boundary or stance.
It became popular during the Cold War, especially in discussions about foreign policy and international relations.

Political Science

Hardliners often resist compromise, which can impact negotiations significantly, leading to stalemates in political discussions.
In political movements, hardliners can mobilize support through strong rhetoric, appealing to the values of their base.
The dynamics of hardline factions can greatly influence policy directions and party structures, for better or worse.

Cultural Impact

Hardliner views can be found in various cultural contexts, including religion, politics, and social issues, often causing debates.
Film and literature sometimes portray hardliners as antagonists, emphasizing the tension between differing ideologies.
Social media has amplified the voices of hardliners, allowing for quicker spread of extreme views and less tolerance for moderation.

Psychology

Hardliner beliefs may be influenced by cognitive bias, where individuals interpret new information in a way that confirms their existing views.
The need for certainty can lead some people to adopt hardliner positions, providing a sense of security in an unpredictable world.
Group dynamics can reinforce hardliner stances, as social pressure encourages individuals to conform to the prevailing opinions within their groups.

History

Throughout history, many political regimes have seen hardliners emerge during times of crisis, advocating for strict measures.
Some of the most noteworthy conflicts, such as the Vietnam War and the Middle East tensions, have had hardliner factions on both sides.
Historical events like the Cuban Missile Crisis showcased how hardliner attitudes can escalate conflicts to the brink of disaster.

Translations

Translations of the word "hardliner" in other languages:

🇵🇹 linha dura

🇮🇳 कट्टरपंथी (kattarapanthi)

🇩🇪 Hardliner

🇮🇩 garis keras

🇺🇦 радикал

🇵🇱 radykalny

🇯🇵 強硬派 (きょうこうは, kyōkōha)

🇫🇷 dur à cuire

🇪🇸 intransigente

🇹🇷 sert çizgi

🇰🇷 강경파 (강경파, ganggyeongpa)

🇸🇦 متشدد (mutashadid)

🇨🇿 tvrdá linie

🇸🇰 tvrdá línia

🇨🇳 强硬派 (qiángyìng pài)

🇸🇮 trda linija

🇮🇸 harðlínumaður

🇰🇿 қатал сызық

🇬🇪 ხისტი ხაზის მიმდევარი (khisti khazis mimdevari)

🇦🇿 sərt xətt

🇲🇽 intransigente

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,488, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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40485 calliper
40486 schmaltz
40487 fluoresced
40488 hardliner
40489 bassoonist
40490 creamier
40491 scourer
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