What does singularist mean?
A singularist is someone who supports singularism, particularly the political belief that supreme authority should be held by a single state, ruler, or governing body. The term is most often encountered in political theory and in discussions of sovereignty, centralization, and the relationship between unity and divided authority. A singularist is therefore not necessarily a defender of monarchy, although the word monarchist can sometimes suggest that connection; more generally, the position concerns concentrating authority in one legitimate source of power. Its principal contrast is with pluralist or federalist approaches that recognize multiple centers of political authority. The word is uncommon in everyday speech and is more likely to appear in academic, historical, or ideological contexts. Even there, it remains specialized and is usually encountered in discussions of unitary political systems or competing theories of sovereignty.
nounAn advocate of singularism, especially the political principle that supreme authority should be vested in a single state, ruler, or governing body rather than divided among competing powers.
- An advocate of singularism, particularly the doctrine that political sovereignty should belong to one state or governing authority.
"The political theorist was regarded as a singularist because of his defence of centralized sovereignty."
"Critics dismissed the proposal as the policy of a political singularist."
"Her essay contrasts the views of a leading singularist with those of federalist thinkers."
Plural used when referring to more than one advocate of singularism.
"The historians identified several singularists who defended centralized sovereignty."
One state, one voice: singularists defended the concentration of sovereign authority in a single political power.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does singularist come from?
The word combines the adjective singular with the suffix -ist, a formation meaning an advocate or supporter of a doctrine. Singular ultimately comes through Old French from Latin singularis, meaning single, individual, or one in number. The political use developed from singularism, the doctrine of vesting supreme authority in one state or governing power.
Related word forms
How singularist is actually used
This is a rare, formal term used chiefly in political and philosophical discussion. It is more specific than a general supporter of centralization and is normally used when discussing singularism or contrasting unitary authority with divided or federal authority.