triumphalism

Meaning

1. 1noununcountabledisapproving

   An attitude of excessive pride in a victory or belief, with boasting that one side has won or is superior.

   Grammar: Uncountable and usually critical: avoid triumphalism, not a triumphalism.

   Patterns

   • triumphalism about something
   • a note of triumphalism

   The speech was full of triumphalism after the election result.

   Critics warned against triumphalism in the peace talks.

   There was no triumphalism in the team's calm reaction to the title.

Common combinations

avoid triumphalism

The leader urged her party to avoid triumphalism.

a note of triumphalism

A note of triumphalism crept into his voice.

national triumphalism

National triumphalism followed the victory.

religious triumphalism

Religious triumphalism can divide communities.

smack of triumphalism

The celebration smacked of triumphalism.

Synonyms and how they differ

boastfulness

Boastfulness describes a general habit of bragging, while triumphalism is tied to a particular victory or cause.

gloating

Gloating is pleasure shown at another's defeat, whereas triumphalism is broader pride in winning.

arrogance

Arrogance is a general trait, while triumphalism names the specific behavior of celebrating a win.

jingoism

Jingoism is aggressive patriotism, whereas triumphalism is celebration of victory or superiority.

Opposites

Word family

triumph noun

a great success or victory

triumphal adjective

relating to a celebration of victory

triumphant adjective

victorious and joyful

triumphalist adjective

showing excessive pride in victory

triumphantly adverb

in a victorious way

Commonly confused: triumphalism or triumph?

Practice

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