What does patriotism mean?
Patriotism is the English noun for devotion to one's country, understood broadly as a country, homeland, or national community. It can refer to a personal feeling, a political principle, or a public commitment expressed through service, celebration, and support for national institutions. The word is often associated with loyalty, pride, solidarity, and concern for the common good, but it can also be used critically when a government or speaker appears to exploit national loyalty. Patriotism should not be confused with nationalism: patriotism focuses primarily on attachment to and care for a country, while nationalism may stress national superiority, exclusion, or political projects centered on national identity. In everyday use, the term is commonly encountered in phrases such as “a sense of patriotism” and “an appeal to patriotism.” It remains a useful word because it names a powerful social and emotional commitment that can unite people, while also requiring careful attention to how that commitment is expressed.
nounPatriotism is devotion to one's country, especially the emotional and political commitment to its welfare, history, and traditions. It may describe a principle of national loyalty or the feelings and actions associated with that loyalty.
- Devotion to one's country and its people, institutions, history, or traditions.
- A political principle or emotional attachment that expresses national loyalty and commitment to a country's welfare.
"Her patriotism was expressed through years of public service."
"The ceremony was intended to celebrate patriotism and civic responsibility."
"Critics argued that the policy appealed to patriotism rather than addressing the underlying problems."
The plural is uncommon but regular, especially when referring to different kinds or expressions of patriotic feeling.
"The novel explores rival nationalisms and competing forms of patriotism."
Patriotism begins with the Latin patria, meaning “fatherland” or “homeland,” so its roots reach back to the idea of belonging to a shared home.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does patriotism come from?
The English word derives from French patriotisme, which was formed from Greek patriōtēs, meaning “one who belongs to one's fatherland.” Greek patriā, “fatherland,” is related to Latin patria, “fatherland” or “homeland,” from which English forms such as patriot and patriotic also developed. The English noun became established in the 18th century in discussions of national feeling and political allegiance.
Related word forms
How patriotism is actually used
Generally formal and neutral in meaning, though context determines whether it carries a strongly approving, neutral, or critical tone. It is common in political, educational, and ceremonial contexts.
Easily confused with patriotism
Patriotism emphasizes love of and devotion to one's country, whereas nationalism places strong emphasis on national identity and can include exclusionary or chauvinistic political attitudes.