WordGarden.ioeditorialist
B2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /ˌɛdəˈtɔriəlɪst/
Meanings
Noun
a journalist or writer who writes editorials or opinion pieces
Beyond the definition
An editorialist is someone who writes editorials, or opinion pieces, for newspapers, magazines, or websites. They usually do less straight news reporting and more explanation, judgment, and argument about important issues. You might read one supporting a new law, criticizing a political decision, or commenting on social change. Unlike news reporters, who try to stay objective, editorialists are expected to share a clear point of view.
Editorialists often know a lot about areas like politics, economics, or culture. They are not simply sharing feelings; they try to support their views with facts and reasons. For example, a well-known editorialist might argue that a tax cut mainly helps richer people, starting wider public debate.
An editorialist is a writer who creates editorials, which are opinion pieces about important public issues. In many cases, this person helps readers think about what events mean and why they matter, rather than simply listing the facts. Their work usually includes analysis, criticism, and argument.
The role is different from that of a news reporter. Reporters aim for objectivity and focus on what happened. Editorialists, by contrast, are paid to take a position and try to persuade readers with clear reasoning and strong writing. They often deal with topics such as politics, the economy, education, social issues, or the environment.
Traditionally, editorials were closely tied to newspapers, but today editorialists also appear on digital news sites and other media. Their writing can influence public opinion and shape political discussion. Some become widely known and are invited to speak on television, radio, or online programs.
For example, imagine a city facing a budget crisis. A reporter would describe the size of the shortfall and what officials are saying. An editorialist, however, might argue for a specific solution, such as raising certain taxes or cutting some programs, and explain why that choice would help the community.
Sometimes an editorialist writes personal signed opinions, and sometimes the writing reflects the official view of a newspaper's editorial board. In either case, the main idea is the same: this is a writer whose job is not just to report the news, but to interpret it, judge it, and try to move the conversation in a certain direction.
Examples
- 1
Tax debate
The paper's editorialist wrote several strong pieces against the new tax plan.
- 2
Opinion role
Unlike the news reporters, the editorialist was paid to argue for a point of view.
- 3
Political commentary
After years as a local editorialist, she moved into television political commentary.
See also
Similar
- editorial writer
- opinion writer
- commentator
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- newspaper editorialist
- political editorialist
- syndicated editorialist
Word family
Explore
- journalist
- opinion journalism
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- editorialistnoun