bipartisan
/bai'pɑ:tizən/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective 1. Involving or supported by two distinct political parties: Describes an action, agreement, policy, or effort that has the agreement and backing of members from both of the two major opposing political groups, typically in a two-party system. 2. Characterized by cooperation between opposing parties: Indicates a spirit of cooperation and compromise between political rivals to achieve a common goal.
Usage and Examples
- Adjective:
- The committee reached a bipartisan agreement on the new education bill. (The agreement was supported by both Democratic and Republican members.)
- The senator was praised for her bipartisan efforts to reform healthcare. (Her efforts involved working cooperatively with members of the other party.)
- A truly bipartisan solution is rare in the current political climate. (A solution supported by both sides is uncommon.)
Advanced Usage
- Bipartisan support: This common collocation emphasizes the backing from both sides.
- The infrastructure plan passed with strong bipartisan support in the legislature.
- Bipartisan commission/committee: A group formally established with members from both major parties.
- A bipartisan commission was formed to investigate the incident.
Variants and Related Words
- Bipartisanship (noun): The practice or quality of involving cooperation between two political parties.
- The new law was a rare example of bipartisanship in action.
- Nonpartisan (adjective): Not biased toward or affiliated with any particular political party. (This is a related but distinct concept, meaning neutral rather than involving two parties.)
- The organization provides nonpartisan analysis of policy issues.
Synonyms
- Cross-party: (Chiefly British) Involving different political parties.
- Two-party: Involving or characteristic of two political parties. (Note: This often describes a system, while "bipartisan" describes cooperation within it.)
Antonyms
- Partisan: Prejudiced in favor of a particular cause, group, or party; one-sided.
- Unilateral: Performed by or affecting only one side.
Related Phrases and Concepts
- Bipartisan coalition: A temporary alliance of lawmakers from both parties to pass specific legislation.
- Reach across the aisle: An idiom meaning to seek cooperation with the opposing political party. This action often leads to bipartisan outcomes.
- The governor urged lawmakers to reach across the aisle and find a bipartisan compromise.
Adjective
- supported by both sides
- a two-way treaty