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Revisionism: meaning, definitions and examples

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revisionism

 

[ rɪˈvɪʒ.ən.ɪ.zəm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

historical interpretation

Revisionism refers to the re-examination of historical facts, with an intent to challenge or reinterpret established narratives. This term is often associated with specific movements that seek to provide alternative views of history, especially concerning controversial or highly debated events. While it can be used to promote a deeper understanding of the past, revisionism can also be criticized as a means of distorting history for ideological purposes.

Synonyms

reconsideration, reinterpretation, revision

Examples of usage

  • The revisionism of World War II history challenges previous narratives.
  • Historians often engage in revisionism to better understand past events.
  • Revisionism can lead to significant debates in academic circles.

Translations

Translations of the word "revisionism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 revisionismo

🇮🇳 पुनरावलोकनवाद

🇩🇪 Revisionismus

🇮🇩 revisionisme

🇺🇦 ревізіонізм

🇵🇱 rewizjonizm

🇯🇵 リビジョニズム

🇫🇷 révisionnisme

🇪🇸 revisionismo

🇹🇷 revizyonizm

🇰🇷 수정주의

🇸🇦 التRevisionism

🇨🇿 revizionismus

🇸🇰 revizionizmus

🇨🇳 修正主义

🇸🇮 revizionizem

🇮🇸 endursko

🇰🇿 ревизионизм

🇬🇪 რევიზიონიზმი

🇦🇿 revizionizm

🇲🇽 revisionismo

Etymology

The term 'revisionism' originates from the French word 'révision', which means 'review or reexamination'. Its usage expanded in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as historians and social theorists began to critically assess widely accepted narratives, particularly regarding events like the French Revolution and the Marxist perspective on class struggles. The concept gained a pejorative connotation during the mid-20th century, particularly in response to Holocaust denial and attempts to minimize the impact of totalitarian regimes. As historical methodologies evolved, revisionism became an integral part of historiography, emphasizing the importance of questioning established interpretations and acknowledging the complexity of historical truth.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,988, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.