Definition

1. Noun:
   • An advocate of democratic principles: A person who believes in or promotes the rights and wisdom of ordinary people, often in opposition to an elite or establishment.
   • A supporter of populism: A person who supports a political approach that strives to appeal to ordinary people who feel their concerns are disregarded by established elite groups.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The candidate's rhetoric was that of a classic populist, promising to return power to "the people."
  • Historically, many agrarian reformers were considered populists.

Advanced Usage

• As a modifier: The term can be used adjectivally to describe policies, movements, or rhetoric that appeal to the general populace.
  • The party adopted a populist platform focused on tax cuts for working families.
  • His speeches used a populist tone, criticizing big corporations and banks.

Variants and Related Words

• Populism (n): The political philosophy or approach associated with populists, emphasizing the interests of the common people.
  • The rise of populism has changed the political landscape in many countries.
• Populistic (adj): Relating to or characteristic of populism or populists.
  • The campaign's populistic appeals were very effective.

Synonyms

• Democrat (in the general sense of an advocate for popular sovereignty).
• Egalitarian (a person who believes in the principle of equality for all people).

Related Phrases

• Populist uprising: A rebellion or strong political movement driven by populist sentiments.
  • The election was seen as a populist uprising against the political establishment.
• Populist leader: A political figure who champions populist causes.
  • The country's new president is a charismatic populist leader.

Noun

1. an advocate of democratic principles