Partisan Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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partisan

[ˈpɑːrtɪzən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

politics

A person who strongly supports a particular party, group, or cause, especially in politics.

Synonyms

adherent, advocate, champion, supporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
partisan	This word is often used when someone shows strong, biased support for a particular party, cause, or person, often to the point of being unwilling to consider other opinions. It can have negative connotations when used to describe someone who is overly biased and unwilling to compromise. She was known as a partisan of the environmental movement. His partisan views on the matter made it difficult to have a balanced discussion.
supporter	This is a general term for someone who supports a person, idea, or cause. It is slightly more neutral and less intense than words like 'advocate' or 'champion'. He is a long-time supporter of the local football team. Many supporters gathered outside the courthouse to show their approval.
adherent	This word is used to describe a person who follows or supports a leader, cause, or idea. It often implies a strong, but possibly thoughtful, loyalty. He is a strict adherent of the new policies. As an adherent of the minimalist lifestyle, she avoids owning too many possessions.
advocate	This term is often used in formal or legal contexts to describe someone who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy. It suggests active and public support. She has long been an advocate for children's rights. He advocates for better working conditions in his company.
champion	Use this word to describe someone who fights or argues for a cause or on behalf of someone else. It usually has a strong and positive connotation, suggesting heroism or exceptional effort. She is a champion of women's education. As a champion of free speech, he often speaks out against censorship.

Examples of usage

He was a committed partisan of the independence movement.
She remained a staunch partisan of the socialist party.
The partisans of the opposition rallied together to protest the new legislation.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

warfare

A member of an armed group formed to fight secretly against an occupying force, in particular one operating in German-occupied Yugoslavia, Italy, and parts of eastern Europe in World War II.

Synonyms

freedom fighter, guerrilla, insurgent, resistance fighter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
partisan	Typically describes a member of a group or organization dedicated to influencing political ideology or supporting a certain cause, often during wartime or in political conflicts. The partisan group was determined to overthrow the oppressive regime. During the war, partisan units conducted operations behind enemy lines.
guerrilla	Describes a member of a small independent group taking part in irregular fighting, usually against larger regular forces, often using hit-and-run tactics. The guerrilla fighters launched an unexpected attack on the military base. Living in the mountains, the guerrillas used their knowledge of the terrain to their advantage.
freedom fighter	Refers to someone who takes part in a resistance movement against an oppressive regime, often seen as a more positive and heroic term compared to 'insurgent' or 'guerrilla.' Nelson Mandela is often remembered as a freedom fighter who battled apartheid. The freedom fighters vowed to continue their struggle for independence.
resistance fighter	Specifically refers to someone who actively participates in a resistance movement fighting against an occupying force or oppressive government, often during wartime. The resistance fighters carried out sabotage missions to undermine the occupying forces. During World War II, many resistance fighters risked their lives to liberate their countries.
insurgent	Describes someone who takes part in an armed rebellion against a constituted authority, often carrying a slightly negative connotation, implying illegitimacy or unlawfulness. The government struggled to suppress the insurgent forces in the north. The insurgents are believed to have received external support to fuel their rebellion.

Examples of usage

The partisans launched a series of guerrilla attacks on the enemy troops.
She joined the partisans to resist the foreign invasion.
The partisans operated in the mountains, using hit-and-run tactics against the enemy.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Political Context

In politics, partisanship can lead to strict loyalty to a party, sometimes causing division between groups.
The term 'partisan politics' often relates to actions that prioritize party allegiance over public interest.

Historical Impact

Partisan movements played significant roles during wars, with groups resisting occupation, such as the French Resistance in WWII.
Throughout history, many uprisings have been led by partisans fighting against oppressive regimes.

Cultural Representation

In literature and film, partisans are often depicted as heroes or rebels fighting for their beliefs, highlighting themes of loyalty and sacrifice.
Artworks showcasing partisans often illustrate the struggle for freedom and resistance against tyranny.

Psychological Aspects

Psychologically, being partisan can lead to 'in-group bias', where people favor those who share their beliefs.
This loyalty can evoke strong emotions, creating an 'us vs. them' mentality among different groups.

Origin of 'partisan'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'partisan', meaning 'of a part', which refers to a person who aligns with a particular group.
It evolved in 17th-century France and initially referred to someone who supported a cause in a civil conflict.

The word 'partisan' originated in the mid-16th century from the French word 'partisan', which means 'a weapon of the 16th-17th centuries consisting of a long shaft with a broad blade'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a supporter or member of a particular party or group. In the context of warfare, 'partisan' gained popularity during World War II to describe resistance fighters operating against occupying forces.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,891 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8888 linkage
8889 unaffected
8890 progressed
8891 partisan
8892 undermine
8893 tubing
8894 pillar
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