partisan
PAR-tuh-zuhn
/ˈpɑːr.tə.zən/
Prejudiced in favor of a particular political party, faction, or cause; devoted to one side.
Implies blind or uncompromising loyalty that refuses to consider opposing facts or alternative points of view.
The story behind the word. Derived through Middle French from Italian 'partigiano', meaning a supporter of a party or 'part' (from Latin 'pars'). Historically, it also described guerrilla fighters passionately defending a local party or territory against invaders.
Word relationships
- biased: Biased refers to any unfair inclination; partisan specifically implies political or group party loyalty.
- factional: Factional refers to internal group splits, whereas partisan applies to political allegiance.
- nonpartisan: Free from party affiliation or political bias.
- impartial: Fair and unbiased toward any side.
Commonly confused with
- bipartisan: Bipartisan involves cooperation between two opposing parties; partisan means strict loyalty to one side.
Word family
- partisanship (noun): Prejudice or strong support in favor of a political party.
- nonpartisan (adjective): Not biased toward any political group.
Collocations
- partisan politics
- fiercely partisan
- bipartisan agreement
- partisan bias
Idioms & expressions
- take sides
- party line
Example sentences
- "Deep partisan bickering in parliament delayed the passing of essential infrastructure funding for several months." Politics
- "George Washington warned Americans against the baneful effects of partisan spirit in his 1796 Farewell Address." Historical Political Essay
Memory hook
PART-isan: Taking only ONE PART of the argument and sticking to your political party. Blind Party Loyalty
When not to use
Do not use for general enthusiasm or preferences that have no factional or ideological conflict.
Fun facts
- During World War II, 'partisans' referred specifically to anti-fascist resistance fighters operating behind enemy lines.
Related words
Explore more words
partisanship, sectarian, bigotry, unbiased, nonpartisan, impartial
Also appears in
- Political Science & Governance → Political Ideologies
- Political Science & Governance → Democratic Theory & Representation
- Media, Journalism & Publishing → Media Bias & Objective Reporting
- Military Science & Warfare → Guerrilla Warfare & Insurgency
- Military Science & Warfare → Paramilitary & Militia Groups
- Political Science & Governance → Elections & Voting Systems
- Political Science & Governance → Pressure Groups & Lobbying
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