patriotism
gb/pˈeɪtɹiətˌɪzəm/ us/pˈeɪtɹiətˌɪzəm/
B2
English
~ 5900
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
state
1
love and loyalty to one’s country
A strong feeling of love and loyalty for your country, and wanting to support and protect it.
Usage pattern:
[someone] feels patriotism toward [a country]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse “patriotism” with “nationalism.” In many contexts, “patriotism” suggests a positive love and responsibility toward one’s country, while “nationalism” can suggest believing one’s country is better than others or should come first in every situation. Another mistake is treating “patriotism” as countable (*“a patriotism”*); it is almost always uncountable and used without an article, or with adjectives (e.g., “strong patriotism,” “their patriotism”).
Synonyms
national pride (Focuses more on a positive, emotional feeling of pride, while patriotism can also imply duty and action.)
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devotion to one’s country (A more formal, descriptive phrase that emphasizes long-term commitment rather than the general feeling.)
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nationalism (Often more political and can suggest a belief that one’s country is better than others; patriotism is usually seen as less aggressive.)
Antonyms
disloyalty (Lack of loyalty to one’s country, the direct opposite attitude of patriotism.)
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treason (Active betrayal of one’s country, which strongly opposes the supportive attitude in patriotism.)
Collocations
strong patriotism
|sense of patriotism
|act of patriotism
|display of patriotism
|wave of patriotism
|love of country and patriotism
Themes
politics
|society
|values
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- His patriotism inspired him to join the volunteer military service.
- The national holiday is meant to celebrate unity and patriotism.
- Critics argued that real patriotism includes questioning unjust government actions.
- The players showed their patriotism by singing the anthem with their hands on their hearts.
- A wave of patriotism swept the country after the successful rescue mission.
Learner examples
- Her patriotism makes her very proud of her country.
- Many people show their patriotism by voting in elections.
- The flag is a symbol of national patriotism.
- He talks about patriotism and helping his country.
- Patriotism can bring people together in difficult times.
Grammar
Dictionary form
patriotism
IPA
GB/pˈeɪtɹiətˌɪzəm/
US/pˈeɪtɹiətˌɪzəm/
Syllables & stress
pat - ri - ot - ism (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pat)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: patriotism
- Plural: patriotism
Word family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unpatriotic
adjective
Expressions
act of patriotism
1/ˈækt əv pˈeɪtɹiətˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
deed done for one’s country
A single action that someone does to help, support, or protect their country.
Examples
- Donating time to help veterans was seen as an act of patriotism.
- He called whistleblowing an act of patriotism, not a crime.
blind patriotism
1/blˈaɪnd pˈeɪtɹiətˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
uncritical love for one’s country
Patriotism where a person supports their country or government without asking questions or thinking about whether its actions are right or wrong.
Examples
- The journalist warned that blind patriotism can make people accept unfair policies.
- She said that loving your country does not mean blind patriotism; it means caring enough to demand better.
display of patriotism
1/dɪsplˈeɪ əv pˈeɪtɹiətˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
visible act showing patriotism
An action or event that clearly shows someone’s love and support for their country.
Examples
- The parade was a colorful display of patriotism.
- Wearing the national colors during the match was his small display of patriotism.
flag-waving patriotism
1/flˈæɡ wˈeɪvɪŋ pˈeɪtɹiətˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
highly emotional public patriotism
Patriotism that people show very loudly and publicly, often with flags and other national symbols.
Examples
- The speech was full of flag-waving patriotism but light on real plans.
- Some voters are tired of flag-waving patriotism and want honest discussion instead.
wave of patriotism
1/wˈeɪv əv pˈeɪtɹiətˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
sudden rise of national love
A time when a lot of people in a country suddenly feel very strong patriotism.
Examples
- A wave of patriotism followed the team’s surprise victory.
- After the crisis, there was a brief wave of patriotism that quickly faded.