Revisionist: meaning, definitions and examples
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revisionist
[ rɪˈvɪʒənɪst ]
historical perspective
A revisionist is someone who re-examines and interprets historical events or theories, often challenging established narratives. This term is usually applied to historians who seek to introduce new evidence or perspectives into the dialogue about certain events or periods. While some revisionists aim to provide a more accurate representation of history by uncovering overlooked facts, others might distort historical events to promote a specific agenda. The practice of revisionism can be controversial, especially when it leads to the denial or minimization of well-documented atrocities or events.
Synonyms
recensionist, reinterpretationist.
Examples of usage
- The historian was criticized for his revisionist account of World War II.
- Many view the author's revisionist interpretation of the civil rights movement as biased.
- Revisionist theories about the American Revolution sparked heated debates among scholars.
Translations
Translations of the word "revisionist" in other languages:
🇵🇹 revisionista
🇮🇳 पुनरावलोकनकर्ता
🇩🇪 Revisionist
🇮🇩 revizionis
🇺🇦 ревізіоніст
🇵🇱 rewizjonista
🇯🇵 歴史修正主義者
🇫🇷 révisionniste
🇪🇸 revisionista
🇹🇷 revizyonist
🇰🇷 역사 수정주의자
🇸🇦 مراجعي
🇨🇿 revizionista
🇸🇰 revizionista
🇨🇳 修正主义者
🇸🇮 revizionist
🇮🇸 endurskoðandi
🇰🇿 ревизионист
🇬🇪 რევიზიონისტი
🇦🇿 revizionist
🇲🇽 revisionista
Etymology
The term 'revisionist' originates from the French word 'révisionniste', which gained prominence in the early 20th century to refer to those advocating for a reassessment of established historical narratives. Initially, it was used in the context of the socialist movement, where some members proposed a more moderate approach to Marxism, diverging from orthodox interpretations. This approach to 'revisionism' was met with significant opposition within the movement. Over time, the term expanded beyond political discourse and began to include historians who sought to challenge traditional views on major historical events. The term has since taken on a more negative connotation in many contexts, especially when it refers to those who deny or reinterpret significant historical atrocities, such as the Holocaust, often seen as an attempt to promote a particular ideological agenda.