Independentist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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independentist

[ˌɪndɪˈpɛndəntɪst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

political movement

A person who advocates or supports independence, especially of a region or territory from a larger political entity.

Synonyms

autonomist, separatist, sovereigntist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
independentist	Used when referring to a person or movement advocating for full independence and self-governance of a territory or nation, often in a broad or general sense. The independentist movement in Scotland is gaining momentum
separatist	Carries a stronger, often negative connotation and is used to describe a person or group advocating for complete separation from a larger political entity, typically to form a new independent state. The government is cracking down on separatist activities in the region
autonomist	Appropriate for describing someone who seeks a high degree of self-governance and control within the framework of a larger political entity, but not full independence. The autonomist party is pushing for more powers to be devolved to the regional government
sovereigntist	Best used when referring to a person or movement advocating for complete sovereignty and self-determination of a territory or nation, often emphasizing legal and political authority. The sovereigntist platform includes plans for establishing an independent judiciary

Examples of usage

The independentist movement in Catalonia is gaining momentum.
Many independentists in Scotland are pushing for another referendum on independence.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

individual belief

A person who believes in or seeks independence, self-reliance, and autonomy in various aspects of life.

Synonyms

autonomous thinker, independent-minded person, self-reliant individual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
independentist	This term is often used in political contexts to describe someone who supports independence for a country or region. The Catalan independentist movement has been gaining traction over the past decade. As an independentist, she campaigned for Scotland’s separation from the UK.
self-reliant individual	This phrase describes someone who relies on their own abilities and resources rather than depending on others, often in a survival or practical context. A self-reliant individual, she built her own business from the ground up. He prided himself on being a self-reliant individual, prepared for any challenge.
autonomous thinker	This phrase is used to describe someone who thinks for themselves and forms their own opinions, often applied to someone who rejects conformist ideas. As an autonomous thinker, he challenged the conventional wisdom in his field. She was known as an autonomous thinker who often questioned the status quo.
independent-minded person	A general term for someone who values their independence in thinking and decision-making, not easily swayed by others. He is an independent-minded person who always makes his own decisions. Growing up, she was an independent-minded person who followed her own path.

Examples of usage

She has always been an independentist, preferring to do things her own way.
The artist's work reflects a strong independentist spirit.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term originated during the struggle for independence in various nations, where individuals sought freedom from colonial powers.
Independentists played significant roles in mid-20th century movements in places like India, Algeria, and Nigeria, leading to decolonization.
The concept evolves in many contexts, including Scotland's quest for autonomy from the United Kingdom and Catalonia's movement within Spain.

Political Movements

Many independentist movements are driven by a sense of national identity, language preservation, or cultural heritage.
In regions like Quebec, Canada, independentism has sparked referendums and political parties focused on sovereignty.
Some independentist movements have gained support through social media, allowing younger generations to express their views widely.

Psychology

The desire for self-determination can stem from a history of oppression, leading to a collective sense of pride and identity.
Research shows that communities with strong independentist sentiments often share a bond strengthened by cultural traditions or past struggles.
Emotional factors, including a feeling of belonging and empowerment, significantly motivate individuals in their quest for independence.

Global Impact

Independentist movements can lead to geopolitical changes, influencing international relations and global diplomacy.
Such movements have the potential to inspire other regions across the world facing similar desires for autonomy or resistance against colonialism.
The outcome of independentist quests can result in both peaceful transitions and conflicts, reshaping national borders.

Cultural Expressions

Art and literature often reflect independentist sentiments, with writers and artists portraying the struggles and dreams of nations seeking self-rule.
Traditional music and dance have been utilized in campaigns to promote cultural identity, further fueling independentist aspirations.
Movies and documentaries frequently highlight the stories of independentist heroes, inspiring advocacy and awareness.

Origin of 'independentist'

The term "independentist" originated in the early 20th century during various movements for independence and autonomy around the world. It reflects the desire for self-governance and freedom from external control. The concept of independentism has been a driving force in numerous political and social struggles throughout history, shaping the course of nations and regions.