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revolutionist

C2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /rˌɛvəlˈuːʃənˌɪst/

US

  • /ˌrɛvəˈluʃənɪst/

Description

A revolutionist is not just someone caught up in a revolution; they are someone who supports it or works to bring it about. Think of it this way: many people may be unhappy with the way things are, but this kind of person believes the whole system needs major change, not just a few fixes. They want to replace the old order with something new.

The word is used mostly in political and social settings. You might think of people tied to major political movements, such as Thomas Paine or Vladimir Lenin. It often suggests strong, deep change in government or society. It does not always mean violence, but it usually points to a push for a complete change in the system rather than slow reform.

Examples

  1. 1

    Political radical

    By his early twenties, he was already known as a revolutionist who wanted to overthrow the monarchy.

    • Usage

      revolutionist is a formal or old-fashioned word; revolutionary is more common

  2. 2

    Official labeling

    In official newspapers, striking workers were often labeled revolutionists.

  3. 3

    Historical judgment

    Later historians argued that she was more of a reformer than a revolutionist.

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • revolutionistnoun

Forms

  • revolutionistspluralnoun