Loyalist
ˈlɔɪəlɪst
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who is faithful to their government, ruler, or cause, particularly during times of conflict or change.
ˈlɔɪəlɪst
A person who remains loyal to a political cause, government, or ruler, especially during a time of revolution or upheaval.
The king's loyalists fought to defend the monarchy.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of friends. If one friend always sticks up for another, no matter what, they're a loyalist to that friend. In history, it meant someone supported the king even when there was a revolution.
👶 For kids: A loyalist is like a person who always sides with the same team, even when things get tough.
More Examples
The community was divided between revolutionaries and loyalists.
Many prominent figures were considered loyalists during the civil war.
How It's Used
"During the American Revolution, Loyalists supported the British crown."
"The party's loyalists remained steadfast in their support despite the scandal."
Demonstrating strong adherence to a particular government, ruler, or cause.
ˈlɔɪəlɪst
Loyal to a particular cause or political system.
The loyalist troops secured the border.
💡 Simply: If someone is 'loyalist,' it means they're showing their support for something or someone in particular, like a team or a political cause, no matter what.
👶 For kids: When something is loyalist, it means it really, really likes something and always supports it.
More Examples
He expressed loyalist views on the matter.
The government was supported by a loyalist press.
How It's Used
"The loyalist forces stood against the rebels."
"The loyalist sentiments during the war were unwavering."
From 'loyal' + '-ist'. 'Loyal' comes from Old French 'leial' meaning 'lawful, legitimate, faithful,' ultimately from Latin 'legalis'. The suffix '-ist' indicates a person adhering to a particular doctrine or principle. The term gained prominence during the American Revolution, referring to colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown.
The term 'loyalist' is most famously associated with the American Revolution, where it distinguished those colonists who remained loyal to the British crown from the Patriots who supported independence.
Memory tip
Think of someone steadfastly following a specific law or legal rule.