Nationalistic: meaning, definitions and examples

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nationalistic

 

[ ˌnæʃəˈnælɪstɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

politics

Relating to or characteristic of nationalism.

Synonyms

chauvinistic, jingoistic, patriotic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nationalistic

Used to describe a strong sense of loyalty and devotion to one's nation, often to the point of putting national interests above others. This can have negative overtones if it implies an exclusionary or aggressive attitude.

  • His nationalistic rhetoric worried the neighboring countries.
  • The party's policies were heavily nationalistic, focusing on protecting domestic industries.
patriotic

Describes love and devotion to one's country without the aggressive or exclusionary implications. Generally viewed positively, this term suggests a healthy pride and commitment to national values.

  • The patriotic spirit of the volunteers was evident during the national holiday celebrations.
  • Displaying the flag outside his house was one of the ways he showed his patriotic pride.
jingoistic

Refers to extreme patriotism, especially in the form of aggressive or warlike foreign policy. This term is usually negative and implies a belligerent attitude towards other countries.

  • The jingoistic tone of his speech aroused fears of an impending conflict.
  • Jingoistic propaganda was used to rally the populace for the military campaign.
chauvinistic

Often used to describe excessive and aggressive patriotism combined with a belief in national superiority. This term generally has a negative connotation, suggesting narrow-mindedness and prejudice.

  • Her chauvinistic views made it difficult for her to work in a diverse team.
  • The leader's chauvinistic speech alienated many foreign delegates.

Examples of usage

  • The candidate's nationalistic rhetoric appealed to patriotic voters.
  • His nationalistic policies prioritize the interests of his own country.
  • The nationalistic movement gained momentum after the war.
Context #2 | Adjective

attitude

Showing excessive patriotism or loyalty to one's own nation, often to the detriment of other nations.

Synonyms

chauvinistic, jingoistic, ultranationalistic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nationalistic

Use this word to describe a person or action that strongly supports one's own nation, often putting it above others, but not necessarily in an aggressive way.

  • 1
  • She adopted a nationalistic approach to politics, always promoting local businesses and culture
  • 2
  • The nationalistic sentiment grew as the country celebrated its independence day
ultranationalistic

Use this word to describe an extreme form of nationalism that is intensely devoted to one's nation to the exclusion or detriment of international cooperation, often associated with radical and extremist views.

  • 1
  • The ultranationalistic party gained influence by promoting isolationist and anti-immigration policies
  • 2
  • Their ultranationalistic ideologies led them to reject any cultural integration
chauvinistic

Use this word when describing a person or action displaying exaggerated or aggressive patriotism, often implying a belief in the superiority of one's own nation over others, frequently used in a negative context.

  • 1
  • His chauvinistic remarks about other countries alienated many of his colleagues
  • 2
  • The article was criticized for its chauvinistic tone, dismissing the achievements of other nations
jingoistic

This word is appropriate when describing extremely aggressive or warlike patriotism, often advocating for intimidating other countries, commonly used in a disapproving manner.

  • 1
  • The leader's jingoistic rhetoric heightened tensions with neighboring nations
  • 2
  • The protestors denounced the government's jingoistic foreign policies

Examples of usage

  • Her nationalistic views often clash with the concept of global cooperation.
  • The nationalistic fervor led to tensions with neighboring countries.
  • Some people view his nationalistic behavior as xenophobic.

Translations

Translations of the word "nationalistic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 nacionalista

🇮🇳 राष्ट्रवादी

🇩🇪 nationalistisch

🇮🇩 nasionalistik

🇺🇦 націоналістичний

🇵🇱 nacjonalistyczny

🇯🇵 ナショナリスティック

🇫🇷 nationaliste

🇪🇸 nacionalista

🇹🇷 milliyetçi

🇰🇷 국수주의적인

🇸🇦 قومي

🇨🇿 nacionalistický

🇸🇰 nacionalistický

🇨🇳 民族主义的

🇸🇮 nacionalističen

🇮🇸 þjóðernissinnaður

🇰🇿 ұлтшылдық

🇬🇪 ნაციონალისტური

🇦🇿 millətçi

🇲🇽 nacionalista

Etymology

The word 'nationalistic' originated in the late 19th century, derived from the word 'nationalist' combined with the suffix '-ic', meaning 'of or relating to'. The concept of nationalism has a complex history, often associated with movements for independence, self-determination, or cultural identity. However, the term can also carry negative connotations, such as exclusionary attitudes or aggressive patriotism. In contemporary politics, discussions around nationalistic ideologies remain a contentious topic, with debates about the balance between national interests and international cooperation.

See also: international, multinational, national, nationalism, nationalist, nationality, nationalization, nationalize, nationally, nationals, nationwide, transnational.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,137, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.