noun

partisan

/ˈpɑːr.tɪ.zən/ · say it: PAR·tuh·zuhn

strongly biased toward a cause

strongly biased toward one party or cause

In more detail

1. (noun) a strong supporter of a person, group, or cause, especially one who is very committed and sometimes unwilling to consider other viewpoints

2. (adjective) showing strong support for a particular person, group, or cause, often in a way that is unfair to others

3. (noun) a member of an armed group that fights against an occupying army or government

Examples

1. The senator's partisan supporters cheered loudly at the rally.
2. The debate became too partisan when both sides refused to listen to any opposing arguments.
3. During World War II, partisan fighters in occupied countries fought against Nazi forces.

How to use partisan

Partisan typically carries a negative or critical tone when describing attitudes or behavior, suggesting excessive commitment that blinds one to other perspectives. It is widely used in political discourse to describe divisive, faction-driven politics. When referring to historical resistance fighters, the term is more neutral and factual.

Common phrases

partisan politics
partisan divide
partisan supporter
partisan bias
partisan conflict
armed partisan

Synonyms

devotee · supporter · adherent · advocate · zealot

Opposites

neutral · impartial · objective

Word family

partisanship (noun) · partisanly (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'partisan' as a neutral synonym for 'supporter' when a more balanced term like 'advocate' or 'follower' would be more appropriate, or they confuse it with 'participant'.

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