ultra-nationalist
Meaning
holding extreme nationalist views; characterized by extreme nationalism.
a person who holds extreme nationalist views.
Structure
Usage
the ultra-nationalist faction within the party advocated for severe restrictions on immigration.
his speeches took on an increasingly ultra-nationalist tone, alarming international observers.
the regime was overthrown by a coalition opposing the ultra-nationalist policies.
Etymology
the term 'ultra-nationalist' is a modern english compound built from classical components. the prefix 'ultra-', directly from latin, intensifies the following concept to denote an extreme degree. the root 'nation' originates from the latin 'natio', referring to birth or a people, which evolved through french to signify a sovereign political community. the suffix '-alist' combines the adjectival '-al' with the agentive '-ist', creating a label for a person who advocates for a doctrine. thus, the word's literal construction, 'one who advocates for a position beyond (normal) nationalism', logically captures its modern meaning of extreme, often exclusionary, devotion to one's nation.
Analysis
- ultra: from latin 'ultra', meaning 'beyond, on the other side of'. functions as an intensifying prefix. - nation: from latin 'nation-', 'natio', meaning 'birth, tribe, people'. functions as the core noun root. - alist: a compound suffix combining '-al' (pertaining to) and '-ist' (one who practices or believes). denotes an adherent of a doctrine.