Loyalist: meaning, definitions and examples

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loyalist

[ˈlɔɪəlɪst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

history

A loyalist is a person who remains loyal to the established ruler or government, especially during a revolution or civil war.

Synonyms

adherent, devotee, follower, supporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
loyalist	Use 'loyalist' to describe someone who remains loyal to a political leader, government, or party, especially in a situation of conflict or change. During the revolution, the loyalists supported the king against the rebels. The loyalists were determined to uphold the monarchy despite the growing unrest.
supporter	Use 'supporter' to describe someone who actively supports or shows loyalty towards a person, cause, or team. The supporters cheered loudly during the football match. She is a passionate supporter of human rights initiatives.
adherent	Use 'adherent' to describe someone who supports a particular idea or set of beliefs. She is a strong adherent of environmental protection policies. The adherents of the new philosophy quickly grew in number.
devotee	Use 'devotee' to describe someone who is very enthusiastic and dedicated to a particular activity or cause, often in a spiritual or cultural context. She is a devoted yoga devotee who practices every morning. The devotees gathered at the temple for the annual festival.
follower	Use 'follower' to describe someone who supports and regularly attends to a particular leader, group, or philosophy, often used in social media contexts as well. He has millions of followers on Instagram who look up to his fitness advice. The philosopher's followers spread his teachings around the world.

Examples of usage

The loyalists during the American Revolution supported the British monarchy.
Many loyalists faced persecution for their allegiance to the crown.
The loyalist community remained divided after the war.
The loyalists sought refuge in Canada after the revolution.
Some loyalists were granted land in compensation for their loyalty.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

politics

In modern politics, a loyalist is someone who remains loyal to a particular political party or leader, often displaying unwavering support.

Synonyms

adherent, devotee, stalwart, supporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
loyalist	Typically used when referring to someone who remains loyal to a specific political figure, regime, or cause, especially during times of change or conflict. Often historical or political contexts. During the American Revolutionary War, the loyalists supported the British crown She is known as a loyalist of the old regime
adherent	Refers to someone who actively supports or follows a particular leader, party, or set of ideas. This term is more formal and can be applied to a variety of contexts, including politics, religion, and social movements. He is a strong adherent of environmental conservation Adherents of the new policy argue that it will bring significant benefits
supporter	A general term for anyone who backs or champions a particular cause, person, organization, or team. Used in a wide range of contexts from casual to formal. She is a dedicated supporter of animal rights Many supporters attended the rally to show their solidarity
stalwart	Implies someone who is very loyal, reliable, and hardworking, often used in contexts where someone's loyalty and strength are admired and praiseworthy. He has been a stalwart supporter for over twenty years The team's stalwart defender played an essential role in their victory
devotee	Used to describe someone who has strong, often personal passion and dedication toward a particular person, activity, or cause. Frequently used in contexts involving cultural, spiritual, or hobbyist pursuits. She is a devotee of classical music, attending concerts every weekend He became a devotee of yoga after realizing its benefits

Examples of usage

The party loyalists campaigned tirelessly for their candidate.
He is known as a loyalist who never wavers in his support for the leader.
The loyalists within the party hold significant influence.
She is considered a loyalist for her consistent support of the party's policies.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term originated during the 17th and 18th centuries, when it was used to describe those who remained loyal to the British crown during the American Revolution.
In the American Revolutionary War, loyalists were often referred to as Tories, a term derived from an earlier political label in Britain.
During the French Revolutionary Wars, loyalists in France were called émigrés, who fled the country to maintain their loyalty to the monarchy.

Political Context

Loyalists played a crucial role in the development of Canada, with many loyalists settling there after leaving the United States post-revolution.
In conflicts like the English Civil War, loyalists supported the monarchy against Parliament, showcasing the ongoing struggle between authority and rebellion.
Modern contexts can include those supporting a specific government or political party during elections, demonstrating a similar allegiance to older definitions.

Cultural Representation

Loyalist themes often appear in literature and film, depicting characters who remain steadfast in the face of opposition, thereby enriching narratives about loyalty.
Famous loyalist figures, such as Joseph Brant in North America, are often celebrated for their dedication to their beliefs and community interests.
The loyalty of such individuals can be a double-edged sword, illustrating moral dilemmas faced in the name of allegiance.

Psychology

Psychological studies suggest that loyalty can stem from attachment styles formed during early relationships, influencing individuals’ loyalty to groups or leaders.
Being a loyalist often involves cognitive dissonance, where an individual must reconcile loyalties with conflicting beliefs or evidence.
Loyalty can foster group cohesion but may also lead to exclusion of dissenters within that group, shaping social dynamics.

Modern Usage

In contemporary political discussions, the term can be used more negatively to describe blind allegiance that may ignore ethical considerations.
The term loyalist is also used in various conflicts globally, such as in Northern Ireland, where it describes those loyal to British governance against nationalist sentiments.
Social media has reshaped how loyalty is expressed, with individuals rallying around political causes and figures, creating modern loyalists distinctly different from historical ones.

Translations

Translations of the word "loyalist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lealista

🇮🇳 वफादार

🇩🇪 Loyalist

🇮🇩 loyalis

🇺🇦 лояліст

🇵🇱 lojalista

🇯🇵 忠誠者

🇫🇷 loyaliste

🇪🇸 lealista

🇹🇷 sadık

🇰🇷 충성파

🇸🇦 مؤيد

🇨🇿 loajalista

🇸🇰 lojalista

🇨🇳 效忠者

🇸🇮 lojalist

🇮🇸 hollvinur

🇰🇿 адал адам

🇬🇪 ლოიალისტი

🇦🇿 sadiq

🇲🇽 lealista

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,605, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24602 suppliant
24603 plantain
24604 disheartening
24605 loyalist
24606 recto
24607 cadaver
24608 astrologer
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