partisan
PAR-tuh-zun
/ˈpɑːrtəzən/
Prejudiced in favor of a particular cause or political party (adjective); a strong supporter of a party, cause, or faction (noun).
Often implies blind, uncritical loyalty to a party over objective reasoning or national interest.
The story behind the word. Tracing back to Latin 'partire' (to divide), the word passed into Renaissance Italian as 'partigiano' (a devoted defender of a faction or leader). It originally described armed guerrilla fighters attached to a specific military commander before expanding to describe politically biased partisans.
Word relationships
- biased: 'Biased' can apply to any general preference, whereas 'partisan' specifically highlights allegiance to a political party or organized faction.
- sectarian: 'Sectarian' usually emphasizes religious or sub-cultural divisions, whereas 'partisan' emphasizes political party affiliation.
- bipartisan: Involving the agreement or cooperation of two opposing political parties.
- nonpartisan: Not biased or affiliated with any political group or party.
Commonly confused with
- bipartisan: 'Partisan' means favoring one party; 'bipartisan' means supported by two opposing parties.
Word family
- partisanship (noun): Prejudice in favor of a particular cause.
- nonpartisan (adjective): Not biased toward a political party.
Collocations
- partisan politics
- deeply partisan
- partisan gridlock
- fierce partisan
Idioms & expressions
- partisan divide
Example sentences
- "Deep partisan divides made cross-party compromise nearly impossible." Political analysis
- "Voters grow weary when debates descend into mere partisan bickering." Editorial opinion
Memory hook
PART-isan: Devoted strictly to one PARTy. Picking a party side and sticking to it fiercely.
When not to use
Do not use 'partisan' to describe neutral, independent, or bipartisan efforts.
Fun facts
- During World War II, anti-fascist resistance fighters in Europe were called 'partisans', combining the original military and political meanings.
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 → Editorial & Opinion Writing
- Media, Journalism & Publishing → Media Bias & Objective Reporting
- Military Science & Warfare → Guerrilla Warfare & Insurgency
- Military Science & Warfare → Paramilitary & Militia Groups
- Political Science & Governance → Pressure Groups & Lobbying
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