nationalism

noun

na·​tion·​al·​ism ˈna-sh(ə-)nə-ˌli-zəm 

1

: loyalty and devotion to a nation

especially : a sense of national consciousness (see consciousness sense 1c) exalting one nation above all others and placing primary emphasis on promotion of its culture and interests as opposed to those of other nations or supranational groups

Intense nationalism was one of the causes of the war.

2

: a nationalist movement or government

opposing nationalisms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between nationalism and patriotism?

Nationalism and patriotism are similar insofar as both words emphasize strong feelings for one’s country. However, the two words are not synonymous. Nationalism, while it refers to loyalty and devotion to a nation, tends to imply the placing of that nation above others, a tendency that is not necessarily implicit in patriotism.

Is nationalism a proper noun?

Proper noun is defined as "a noun that designates a particular being or thing, does not take a limiting modifier, and is usually capitalized in English." Nationalism does not meet these criteria, and therefore is not a proper noun.

What is difference between nationalism and jingoism?

Nationalism and jingoism are closely related, as both words refer to an exaltation of one’s own nation and feelings of cultural superiority. However, jingoism, unlike nationalism, always implies military aggressiveness.

Synonyms

• chauvinism
• jingoism
• superpatriotism

Examples of nationalism in a Sentence

The war was caused by nationalism and greed.

Nazism's almost epic nationalism appealed to downtrodden Germans still suffering the humiliation of being defeated in World War I.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many believed their country had developed an immunity to nationalism and assertions of racial superiority after confronting the horrors of its past through education and legislation to outlaw persecution. —Stefanie Dazio and Kirsten Grieshaber, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2024

In 2020, the ethos and aesthetics of Olympic competition—an always curious synthesis of rivalry and coöperation, nationalism and borderless affection—felt strained in a world whose collaborations against disease had fallen flat. —Vinson Cunningham, The New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2024

Walls, within the framework of nationalism, have often been tools of isolation and division. —Ken Makin, The Christian Science Monitor, 16 Aug. 2024

Rising nationalism amongst Chinese consumers could also have a part to play. —Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing nationalism

• supra-nationalism

Kids Definition

nationalism

noun

na·​tion·​al·​ism ˈnash-nəl-ˌiz-əm 

-ən-ᵊl-

: loyalty and devotion to a nation especially as expressed in a glorifying of one nation above all others and a stressing of the promotion of its culture and interests