Definition

1. Noun:
   • A belief in or advocacy of revolutionary principles: The term "revolutionism" refers to the doctrine or ideology that supports the use of revolution as a means to achieve political or social change. It denotes a commitment to the spread of revolutionary ideas.

Usage

"Revolutionism" is an uncountable noun used to describe an abstract ideology or belief system. It is typically used in political, historical, or sociological contexts to discuss movements or philosophies centered on radical, transformative change.

Examples

• The 19th century was marked by a surge in revolutionism across Europe.
• His writings were infused with a spirit of revolutionism, calling for the overthrow of the old order.
• The government feared the spread of revolutionism from neighboring countries.

Advanced Usage

• As a historical force: "Revolutionism" can be analyzed as a driving force in history.
  • Historians debate whether the wave of revolutionism in the 1840s was a failure or a catalyst for later reforms.
• In political theory: The term is used to contrast with reformism or gradualism.
  • The party's manifesto rejected gradual change in favor of outright revolutionism.

Variants and Related Words

• Revolutionary (adj/noun): Pertaining to or a person who advocates or engages in revolution.
  • She was a revolutionary thinker. (adj)
  • The revolutionaries were captured. (noun)
• Revolutionize (verb): To change something radically or fundamentally.
  • The new technology revolutionized the industry.

Synonyms

• Radicalism: The beliefs or actions of people who advocate thorough or complete political or social reform.
• Insurrectionism: The principle or practice of rising in revolt against civil authority or an established government.

Antonyms

• Conservatism: Commitment to traditional values and ideas with opposition to change or innovation.
• Reformism: The doctrine of advocating change by gradual, constitutional means rather than revolution.

Related Phrases and Idioms

(Note: "Revolutionism" itself is not commonly used in specific phrasal verbs or idioms. The related terms below are formed from the root word "revolution.") - Cultural revolution: A radical transformation of a society's cultural values and norms. - The 1960s are often described as a period of cultural revolution in the West. - Revolution in thought: A complete change in the way something is thought about. - Einstein's theory caused a revolution in thought about physics.

Noun

1. a belief in the spread of revolutionary principles