noun

populist

/ˈpɒpjʊlɪst/ · say it: POP·yuh·list

a politician who claims to represent ordinary people against elites

In From the Front Page

In more detail

1. (adjective) appealing to ordinary people and their concerns, often in a way that seems to simplify complex problems

2. (noun) a politician or movement that claims to represent the interests of common people against powerful elites

Examples

The candidate's populist message about protecting jobs appealed to many voters.
Some critics argue that populists ignore expert advice and oversimplify difficult issues.

How to use populist

Populist is used to describe politicians, movements, or rhetoric that claim to champion ordinary people against elites, typically by emphasizing simple solutions to complex issues. It often carries a critical or neutral tone in academic and political discourse, suggesting oversimplification or emotional rather than rational persuasion, though supporters may use it positively. The term applies across the political spectrum—from left-wing to right-wing movements.

Common phrases

populist movement
populist appeal
populist politician
populist rhetoric
wave of populism
populist sentiment

Synonyms

demagogic · anti-establishment · grassroots · people-focused · egalitarian

Opposites

elitist · aristocratic · technocratic

Word family

populism · populist · populistically

A common mistake

Learners sometimes treat populist as synonymous with democratic or popular; populism specifically emphasizes a division between 'the people' and 'the corrupt elite,' which may not reflect actual democratic governance.

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