Definition

1. Noun:
   • Love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it: A deep, emotional attachment and loyalty to one's nation, often characterized by a sense of pride and a readiness to support or defend it.

Usage

• Patriotism is an abstract noun referring to a feeling or principle. It is typically used in a positive, formal, or political context to describe national sentiment.
• It is often discussed in contrast to or in conjunction with concepts like nationalism or civic duty.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The monument was built to honor the soldiers' patriotism and sacrifice.
  • True patriotism involves not just love for one's country, but also a commitment to improving it.
  • The speech aimed to inspire a sense of patriotism in the citizens.

Advanced Usage

• "Blind patriotism": Unquestioning, uncritical support for one's country, often ignoring its faults.
  • The leader warned against blind patriotism that stifles honest debate.
• "Civic patriotism": A form of patriotism based on shared democratic values and civic participation rather than ethnicity.
  • The philosopher advocated for a form of civic patriotism that could unite a diverse population.

Variants and Related Words

• Patriot (n): A person who loves and vigorously supports their country.
  • She was hailed as a true patriot for her lifelong public service.
• Patriotic (adj): Having or expressing the qualities of a patriot; inspired by love for one's country.
  • The crowd sang patriotic songs during the celebration.
• Patriotically (adv): In a patriotic manner.
  • The citizens patriotically volunteered to help their community.

Synonyms

• Nationalism: Often used synonymously, but can imply a stronger, sometimes aggressive, promotion of one nation's interests above all others.
• Loyalty: A more general term for faithfulness to a person, country, or cause.
• Devotion: Profound dedication, which can be applied to a country.

Related Phrases

• Wave of patriotism: A period when patriotic feelings are widespread and intense.
  • A great wave of patriotism swept the nation after the successful space mission.
• Patriotic duty: An action considered obligatory due to one's love for their country.
  • Many felt it was their patriotic duty to enlist during the war.

Related Idioms

• "My country, right or wrong": A phrase expressing a form of unconditional patriotism, often debated for its ethical implications.
  • He didn't agree with the policy but followed the old adage, "My country, right or wrong."

Noun

1. love of country and willingness to sacrifice for it
   • they rode the same wave of popular patriotism
   • British nationalism was in the air and patriotic sentiments ran high