collectivism

noun

col·​lec·​tiv·​ism kə-ˈlek-ti-ˌvi-zəm How to pronounce collectivism (audio)
1
: a political or economic theory advocating collective control especially over production and distribution
also : a system marked by such control
2
: emphasis on collective rather than individual action or identity
collectivist adjective or noun
collectivistic adjective
collectivistically adverb

Examples of collectivism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The name is misleading: A style associated with collectivism, Brutalism is all about creating community through architecture. Alexander Nazaryan, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2024 Cloaked in the languorous melodies and mellow transitions of Exodus are fiery messages of hope and collectivism. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Feb. 2024 It was aimed not only at his own country, but also at those others now drifting into collectivism. David Harsanyi, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024 More than anything else, his new manifesto is a political-economic tract—a defense of infinite growth and libertarian capitalism, and a tirade against collectivism, institutions, and risk management. David Meyer, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2023 Focus on the collective impact Many communities of color are rooted in collectivism — the act of prioritizing group harmony and community. Sahaj Kaur Kohli, Washington Post, 12 June 2023 His authority is absolute, and among his players, there’s a prevailing ethos of self-sacrifice and collectivism that will come across as foreign and perhaps inspiring to viewers in the United States, where wearing a mask to combat COVID-19 is considered by many as an infringement on their freedom. Greg Hanlon, PEOPLE.com, 29 June 2020 Accommodating Everyone For Success To combat the feelings of detachment that remote working can sometimes cause, businesses need to shift from thinking of collectivism versus individualism and instead take a flexible, hybrid approach to collaboration that suits both needs. Robert Bailkoski, Forbes, 16 May 2022 Interestingly, social support may have an even stronger effect on coping with adversity in Latin American and other cultures that place great value on interdependence, extended kinship systems and collectivism. Steven M. Southwick, Scientific American, 1 July 2013

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'collectivism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French collectivisme, from collectif collective entry 1 + -isme -ism

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of collectivism was in 1857

Dictionary Entries Near collectivism

Cite this Entry

“Collectivism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collectivism. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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