Nationalism

noun (uncountable)

/ˈnæʃənəlɪzəm/

An ideology that emphasises loyalty, devotion, and identification with a particular nation, asserting its right to political self-determination and sovereign statehood.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

While constitutional nationalism rooted in shared rights and civic duty can deepen the unity of a diverse polity, an exclusionary, majoritarian nationalism risks fragmenting the very social fabric the Constitution seeks to protect.

Synonyms

patriotismnational consciousnessnationhoodjingoismchauvinismparochialism

Antonyms

internationalismcosmopolitanismglobalismsecessionism

🌱 Word Family

nation (n.), national (adj./n.), nationalist (n./adj.), nationalistic (adj.), nationalise (v.), nationally (adv.)

🔡 Root

Latin natio = birth, people, tribe; French nationalisme = nationalism (national + -isme)

📜 Etymology

From French nationalisme, itself from national + -isme; first recorded in English c. 1798; the related word nation derives from Latin natio ("birth, people, tribe").

🧠 Memory Hook

"NATION + ism" — from Latin natio, "that which is born": pride in the land of one's birth. Picture a citizen waving the flag of the nation into which they were born.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Mains 2023 · GS1 · 10 marks — Modern History

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Nationalism” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

🏛️ History & Culture 📖 Seen in: Rise of Indian Nationalism & the INC (...

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