left-wing
/'leftwiɳ/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Belonging to or supporting the political left: Describes people, groups, ideas, or policies that advocate for social equality, progressive reform, and often greater government involvement in social welfare and economic regulation.
- Characterized by liberal or socialist principles: Pertaining to a political orientation that typically emphasizes collective rights, social justice, and reform over tradition.
Usage
- The adjective "left-wing" is used to modify nouns describing political entities, ideologies, or positions.
- It is often used in contrast to "right-wing" or "centrist."
- It can describe both individuals and collective groups (e.g., a party, a movement).
Examples
- Adjective:
- She holds very left-wing views on healthcare and education.
- The party's left-wing faction pushed for more environmental regulations.
- His economic policies are considered left-wing by most analysts.
Advanced Usage
- "the left wing" (noun phrase): When used with the definite article "the," it functions as a noun phrase referring to the collective group or faction itself.
- The proposal was supported by the left wing of the party.
- Hyphenation: The hyphen is standard when used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., a left-wing activist). It may sometimes be omitted in noun form (e.g., on the left wing of politics).
Variants and Related Words
- Leftist (noun/adjective): A synonym often used for a person or ideology supporting left-wing principles.
- He is a known leftist thinker.
- The Left (noun): A broad term for the collective of left-wing political movements and parties.
- The election saw a surge in support for the Left.
Synonyms
- Liberal (in a general political context, especially in the US)
- Progressive
- Socialist (specifically for ideologies advocating social ownership)
Antonyms
- Right-wing
- Conservative
- Reactionary
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "To be on the left wing of (a party/group)": To belong to or represent the most liberal or radical section within a larger organization.
- As a young MP, she positioned herself on the left wing of the party.
Adjective
-
believing in or supporting tenets of the political left
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