revisionist
revisionist Lexical Profile
revisionist Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Relating to or advocating the reinterpretation of accepted historical accounts, orthodox doctrines, or established policies.
"The professor published a revisionist history of the Industrial Revolution that challenged long-held economic assumptions."
• noun
A historian or scholar who re-examines and challenges traditional or widely accepted interpretations of past events.
"Several prominent revisionists argued that the treaty was motivated by domestic politics rather than foreign aggression."
An advocate of the modification or reform of an existing political doctrine, constitutional system, or ideological orthodoxy (especially within Marxism).
"Hardline party members denounced the moderate reformers as ideological revisionists."
Word Nuance & Usage
In academic historiography, 'revisionist' is a neutral term for re-examining accepted views based on new evidence, whereas in politics and popular discourse it is frequently used pejoratively to accuse someone of distorting historical facts.
• Rhymes for revisionist
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th century from 'revision' plus the suffix '-ist', originally referring to advocates of revising the French constitution or reinterpreting orthodox Marxist doctrine.