Hardliner: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.