Loyalism: meaning, definitions and examples
🇬🇧
loyalism
[ ˈlɔɪəlɪzəm ]
political allegiance
Loyalism refers to the political ideology that emphasizes allegiance to a particular government or monarchy, often in a colonial or post-colonial context. It can involve support for the crown or government authority, particularly in regions where independence movements are present. Loyalists may advocate for maintaining the existing political structure and oppose revolutionary changes. The term is frequently associated with historical contexts, such as Loyalism in British history during the American Revolutionary War.
Synonyms
allegiance, devotion, fidelity
Examples of usage
- The loyalism of the Tories was evident during the revolution.
- In modern contexts, loyalism can also refer to specific groups advocating for unionism in Northern Ireland.
- Loyalism often involves a sense of identity linked to political allegiance and heritage.
Translations
Translations of the word "loyalism" in other languages:
🇵🇹 loialismo
🇮🇳 वफादारीवाद
🇩🇪 Loyalismus
🇮🇩 loyalisme
🇺🇦 лоялізм
🇵🇱 lojalizm
🇯🇵 ロイヤリズム
🇫🇷 loyalisme
🇪🇸 lealismo
🇹🇷 sadakatçilik
🇰🇷 충성주의
🇸🇦 الولاء
🇨🇿 loyalismus
🇸🇰 loyalizmus
🇨🇳 忠诚主义
🇸🇮 lojaltizem
🇮🇸 trúnaðarspeki
🇰🇿 адалдық
🇬🇪 მოსიყვარულე
🇦🇿 sadiqlik
🇲🇽 lealismo
Etymology
The term 'loyalism' has its origins tied closely to historical events of political allegiance, particularly arising during the time of colonial rule and conflicts of governance. The root word 'loyal' comes from the Old French 'loial', which derives from Latin 'legalis', meaning 'legal' or 'lawful'. The concept gained prominence during the late 17th and 18th centuries, particularly during the American Revolutionary War when those loyal to the British Crown identified themselves as Loyalists. This divergence marked a significant moment in history where political, social, and cultural identities were fiercely contested. Over time, 'loyalism' has evolved to represent various forms of allegiance in different regions, particularly within the UK and its former colonies. Its usage now extends beyond historical contexts to contemporary discussions about political identity and regional loyalty.