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
Derived 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.
What’s being asked for is competitive balance, and while it sounds nice, that’s an ambition that requires a healthy amount of collectivism and sacrifice, and leads to my last point here:
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026
Comedians know they have nurtured our individuality complex by spotlighting members of the crowd, but consider re-embracing collectivism — it sure alleviates a whole lot of pressure, on both them and us.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2024
Despite Japan’s culture of collectivism, Dr. Oshitani was surprised when businesses quickly closed and people refrained from going out.
From New York Times • Jul. 2, 2022
Though it scores high, as a nation, on measures of cultural collectivism, China’s 1.4 billion people are more than just a single culture.
From Scientific American • Feb. 28, 2022
Many socialists call themselves collectivists, and their system collectivism.
From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin
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.
