collectivism
Americannoun
noun
-
the principle of ownership of the means of production, by the state or the people
-
a social system based on this principle
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of collectivism
1875–80; < French collectivisme; see collective, -ism
Explanation
Collectivism is a political theory associated with communism. More broadly, it is the idea that people should prioritize the good of society over the welfare of the individual. Collectivism — so closely related to the word collection — has to do with political theories that put the group before the individual. In a collectivist system, power should be in the hands of the people as a whole, not in the hands of a few powerful folks. Collectivism is the opposite of individualism. Ideally, in a collectivist society, decisions benefit all the people. This is a difficult idea to put into practice, as seen in the attempted collectivist society of Soviet communism.
Vocabulary lists containing collectivism
Novel Study: 1984, Part 2
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co-, col-, List 2
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co, col (with; together), List 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden—This paragon of collectivism is pivoting toward rugged individualism.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 12, 2026
Within these communities exists an informal collectivism, an ebb and flow of residents, of families, of neighbors coming together at farmer’s markets, in city parks and common spaces, in a tacit recognition of shared values.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 10, 2025
"In societies that value collectivism, such as in Iceland and Japan, these baths are not mere places for relaxation but also for building social connections," says Jabe Brown of Melbourne Functional Medicine.
From Salon ● Dec. 16, 2023
If the references to race and class feel ritualistic, it’s because the movie largely centers on one woman, a focus that’s profoundly at odds with the political radicalism of the Jane’s collectivism.
From New York Times ● Oct. 27, 2022
"Yes, collectivism, if you like," said Mrs. Pembrose.
From The Wife of Sir Isaac Harman by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
