Definition

1. Noun:

   • An advocate for national independence or strong national government: A person who actively supports or works toward the political independence of their nation or the strengthening of its central government.
   • A person characterized by patriotism: One who has a strong love for and loyalty to their own country.

2. Adjective:

   • Relating to nationalism: Characterized by or showing devotion to the interests, culture, or independence of a particular nation.
   • Promoting national interests: Advocating for the political or economic interests of one's own nation, often above those of other nations or groups.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • He was a passionate nationalist who fought for his country's freedom from colonial rule.
  • The nationalist gave a speech emphasizing cultural pride and sovereignty.

• Adjective:

  • The party's nationalist policies focused on domestic industry and strict border controls.
  • She expressed nationalist sentiments, arguing that local traditions must be preserved.

Advanced Usage

• "Economic nationalist": A person who advocates for policies that protect a nation's economy from foreign competition, such as through tariffs or trade restrictions.

  • The candidate's economic nationalist platform appealed to workers in the manufacturing sector.

• "Cultural nationalist": A person who emphasizes the revival, purity, or supremacy of a nation's cultural identity, including its language, arts, and customs.

  • The movement was led by cultural nationalists who promoted the native language in schools.

Variants and Related Words

• Nationalism (n): The ideology or movement based on promoting the interests and culture of a nation, often with the aim of gaining or maintaining self-governance.

  • The rise of nationalism in the 19th century led to the formation of new states.

• Nationalistic (adj): Having or showing strong feelings of nationalism; sometimes used interchangeably with the adjective "nationalist," but can imply a more fervent or excessive form.

  • His nationalistic rhetoric appealed to a sense of patriotic pride.

Synonyms

• Patriot: A person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it.
• Chauvinist: A person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism (often carries a negative connotation).
• Separatist: A person who advocates for the separation of a group, often a nation, from a larger political entity.

Related Phrases

• "Nationalist movement": A collective effort by a group of people to achieve national self-determination, independence, or the promotion of national identity.

  • The nationalist movement gained momentum after the war.

• "Nationalist sentiment": A widespread feeling or opinion among a population that favors national interests or independence.

  • There was a surge in nationalist sentiment following the diplomatic incident.

Related Idioms

• "To wave the nationalist flag": To openly and vigorously promote nationalist ideas or sentiments.
  • During the election, the candidate was accused of waving the nationalist flag to distract from economic issues.

Adjective

1. devotion to the interests or culture of a particular nation including promoting the interests of one country over those of others
   • nationalist aspirations
   • minor nationalistic differences

Noun

1. an advocate of national independence of or a strong national government
2. one who loves and defends his or her country