nationalist
gb/nˈæʃənəlɪst/ us/nˈæʃənəlɪst/
B2
English
~ 7000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
entity
1
person strongly loyal to their nation
A person who feels very strong loyalty to their country and wants to protect its interests and way of life.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a nationalist
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse 'nationalist' with 'national'. Use 'nationalist' for a person with strong political or emotional support for their country (e.g., 'She is a nationalist'), and 'national' as an adjective for something belonging to a country (e.g., 'a national holiday'). 'Patriotic' is usually more positive and emotional, while 'nationalist' is more political and can sound negative in some contexts.
Synonyms
patriot (Emphasizes love and pride for one’s country, usually more positive and less political than 'nationalist'.)
Antonyms
internationalist (Focuses on cooperation between countries rather than putting one nation’s interests above all others.)
Collocations
strong nationalist
|fervent nationalist
|proud nationalist
|cultural nationalist
|local nationalist
|nationalist leader
Themes
politics
|society
|identity
Examples
- He describes himself as a nationalist who wants to protect local jobs and industries.
- As a young nationalist, she campaigned for greater recognition of her country’s language and traditions.
- Critics say the new president is a hard-line nationalist who rarely compromises with other countries.
Learner examples
- My uncle is a nationalist and talks a lot about our country.
- The party attracted many young nationalists during the election.
- Some nationalists worry that their culture is changing too fast.
adjective
B2
property
2
relating to nationalism or nationalists
Describing things like ideas, groups, or actions that are based on strong support for one country and its interests.
Usage pattern:
nationalist [noun]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes say 'national party' when they mean a party based on nationalism. 'National party' simply means a party that exists across thewhole country; 'nationalist party' means a party whose main idea is strong support for the nation and its identity.
Synonyms
patriotic (Often more positive and emotional; 'nationalist' is more political and can suggest stronger or harder positions.)
Antonyms
internationalist (Describes policies or movements that stress cooperation between nations rather than focusing on one nation first.)
Collocations
nationalist movement
|nationalist party
|nationalist government
|nationalist agenda
|nationalist rhetoric
|nationalist politics
Themes
politics
|society
|history
Examples
- The nationalist party won a surprise victory in the regional elections.
- Nationalist movements grew stronger after the economic crisis.
- The speech was full of nationalist rhetoric about defending the homeland.
Learner examples
- A new nationalist group started in the city.
- Many people voted for the nationalist candidate.
- The country had a strong nationalist movement in the 20th century.
Noun
C1
entity
3
supporter of exclusionary nationalism
A person who strongly puts their own nation first and is often against immigrants, minorities, or other countries.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a nationalist
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that 'nationalist' can sound negative when it suggests hatred or exclusion. In news reports, 'nationalist' can mean extreme or far-right, not just 'loving one’s country'. Check the context to see if the word is neutral, positive, or critical.
Synonyms
chauvinist (Suggests exaggerated, aggressive national pride and contempt for other nations; often more clearly negative than 'nationalist'.)
Antonyms
cosmopolitan (Describes someone who feels at home with many cultures and does not put one nation above others.)
Collocations
far-right nationalist
|radical nationalist
|extreme nationalist
|ethno-nationalist
|xenophobic nationalist
|militant nationalist
Themes
politics
|conflict
|society
Examples
- The group was led by far-right nationalists opposed to all immigration.
- Several nationalist politicians used anti-immigrant slogans during the campaign.
- Human-rights groups warned that nationalist militias were targeting minority communities.
Learner examples
- Some nationalists do not want any immigrants to enter their country.
- The protest was organized by extreme nationalists.
- Nationalist groups sometimes blame foreigners for economic problems.
Noun
C1
entity
4
supporter of national independence
A person who wants their country to be free from another country’s control and works for independence.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a nationalist
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes assume 'nationalist' is always modern or right-wing. In history books, 'nationalists' often refers to people fighting against colonial or foreign control, and it can be seen as positive or heroic in that context.
Synonyms
independence activist (Focuses more on political activity for independence; may sound less ideological than 'nationalist'.)
Antonyms
loyalist (In this context, a person who supports continued rule by the existing power rather than independence.)
Collocations
anti-colonial nationalist
|Irish nationalist
|Palestinian nationalist
|independence nationalist
|nationalist rebel
|nationalist uprising
Themes
history
|politics
|conflict
|law
Examples
- The nationalists launched an armed struggle to end colonial rule.
- Many nationalist leaders were jailed during the independence movement.
- The treaty was rejected by hard-line nationalists who wanted full sovereignty.
Learner examples
- The nationalists wanted their own independent state.
- Many nationalists were put in prison by the colonial government.
- Nationalist groups fought for freedom from foreign rule.
adjective
C1
property
5
strongly nation‑first in attitude
Showing very strong support for one country and putting it above other countries, sometimes in an unfriendly way.
Usage pattern:
nationalist [policy / stance / view]
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'national' instead of 'nationalist' when they mean a strong 'nation first' attitude. Use 'nationalist policy' for a policy that strongly puts the country first; use 'national policy' simply for a policy that is used in the whole country.
Synonyms
nativist (Often stresses favoring native-born people over immigrants; overlaps with critical uses of 'nationalist'.)
Antonyms
pro-globalization (Supports closer international links and cooperation rather than putting a single nation first.)
Collocations
nationalist policies
|nationalist stance
|nationalist worldview
|nationalist agenda
|nationalist approach
|openly nationalist
Themes
politics
|society
Examples
- The government adopted nationalist policies that restricted foreign ownership of companies.
- Her nationalist stance on trade has worried many of the country’s allies.
- Analysts say the new law reflects a more nationalist and protectionist approach.
Learner examples
- The leader is known for his nationalist views on trade.
- Many voters support nationalist policies to protect local jobs.
- Their nationalist approach causes problems with neighboring countries.
Grammar
Dictionary form
nationalist
IPA
GB/nˈæʃənəlɪst/
US/nˈæʃənəlɪst/
Syllables & stress
na - tion - al - ist (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (na)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: nationalist
Noun
- Base: nationalist
- Plural: nationalists
Word family
Forms
nationalists
noun
Core family
Related words
nationalistic
adjective
nationalize
verb C1
nationalization
noun C1
international
adjective B1
internationally
adverb B2
multinational
adjective B2
Negative and opposite forms
internationalist
noun
internationalism
noun
Advanced or less common
denationalize
verb
denationalization
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.