What does revolutionism mean?
Revolutionism refers to the advocacy of radical political or social change, especially the belief that established institutions should be replaced through forceful or transformative means. The term can denote a political doctrine, a broader revolutionary outlook, or a movement whose members seek fundamental change rather than limited reform. In historical writing, it often appears in discussions of revolutionary politics, ideological movements, and the ideas that inspire attempts to overthrow an existing order. The word is related to, but distinct from, “revolution”: a revolution is an event or process of upheaval, while revolutionism is a commitment, doctrine, or body of ideas associated with it. In modern general usage, “revolution” is far more common and natural. “Revolutionism” remains useful in political and historical analysis when the emphasis is on ideology or active support for revolutionary change.
The advocacy of revolution or the doctrine and political principles associated with revolutionary change.
"They were suspected of supporting revolutionism and organizing against the government."
Most commonly used in political and historical contexts.
A revolutionary movement, doctrine, or ideological tendency.
"European revolutionism spread the language of citizenship and popular sovereignty."
This sense is more common in historical writing than in everyday speech.
The plural is rare and usually distinguishes different revolutionary doctrines or movements.
"The histories compare the political revolutionisms of Europe and Latin America."
Revolutionism names not only the upheaval itself, but the belief that the existing order deserves to be overturned.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does revolutionism come from?
The word was formed in English by adding the suffix “-ism,” meaning a distinctive practice, system, or doctrine, to “revolution.” “Revolution” comes through French from Latin “revolutio,” derived from “revolvere,” meaning “to turn back” or “to overturn.” The same Latin root underlies forms such as “revolve” and “revolutionary,” while “-ism” also occurs in many words naming doctrines or movements, including “radicalism” and “nationalism.”
How revolutionism is actually used
Revolutionism is chiefly political and historical. In everyday use, “revolution” is much more common; “revolutionism” is more specific and can sound formal or scholarly.
Easily confused with revolutionism
A revolution is an event or process that fundamentally changes a political or social order, whereas revolutionism is the doctrine, advocacy, or movement associated with revolution.