Definition

1. Noun:
   • A moderate or reformist interpretation of a revolutionary theory or doctrine, especially Marxism: "Revisionism" refers to the advocacy of modifying established principles or theories, often to adapt them to new circumstances or to make them less radical.
   • The act or result of revising a historical account or interpretation, often in a way considered biased or distorting: "Revisionism" can also denote the re-examination and alteration of historical narratives, sometimes with a negative connotation of distorting facts for ideological purposes.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Some party members accused him of revisionism for suggesting market reforms within the socialist framework.
  • Historical revisionism is often criticized when it attempts to whitewash the atrocities of a regime.

Advanced Usage

• "Historical revisionism": The reinterpretation of historical records, often implying an attempt to present a distorted or politically motivated version of events.

  • The scholar's work was dismissed as mere historical revisionism, ignoring well-documented evidence.

• "Marxist revisionism": Specifically refers to doctrines that seek to revise fundamental tenets of classical Marxism.

  • Eduard Bernstein is a key figure associated with Marxist revisionism.

Variants and Related Words

• Revisionist (noun/adjective): A person who advocates or practices revisionism; relating to revisionism.

  • He was labeled a revisionist by orthodox communists.
  • A revisionist interpretation of the treaty emerged.

• Revise (verb): To re-examine and make alterations to.

• Revision (noun): The act or process of revising.

Synonyms

• Reformism: Advocacy of gradual reform rather than revolutionary change.
• Reinterpretation: The action of interpreting something in a new or different light.

Related Phrases

• "To be accused of revisionism": To be charged with dangerously altering core doctrines or historical facts.
  • The historian was accused of revisionism for his controversial book on the war.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. a moderate evolutionary form of Marxism
2. any dangerous departure from the teachings of Marx