nonviolence
nonviolence — noun
1. the belief or moral position that using physical force is wrong, especially when
the belief or moral position that using physical force is wrong, especially when working for political or social change — for example, refusing to fight back when attacked, or choosing peaceful protest over armed rebellion.
The leader's commitment to nonviolence inspired millions of people across the country.
commitment to nonviolence + inspired [group]
Many religious traditions teach nonviolence as a core principle of daily life.
teach nonviolence as a principle
The school's programme on nonviolence helped students find better ways to solve arguments.
Tariro wrote an essay about how nonviolence shaped the fight for equal rights in her country.
- peacefulness
focuses on a calm, quiet character rather than a political principle
- pacifism
stronger — the belief that all violence is morally wrong, even in self-defence
- aggression
implies attacking first rather than refusing to use force
文法句型
nonviolence + as a principle / way of life
用法筆記
Common in discussions of political or religious movements. Often paired with words like 'principle,' 'commitment,' 'belief in,' and 'practice of.'
常見錯誤
2. the active use of peaceful methods such as marches, refusal to obey certain laws
the active use of peaceful methods such as marches, refusal to obey certain laws, or hunger strikes to pressure a government or authority into making change without using weapons or physical attacks.
Thousands of citizens used nonviolence to demand fair treatment during the new law protests.
used nonviolence to demand [change]
Through nonviolence, Minh's group organised a peaceful march that drew attention to workers' conditions.
Through nonviolence, [someone] organised [action]
Nonviolence proved more effective than armed struggle in ending the unfair voting system.
The farmers organised a boycott as a form of nonviolence to push for fair crop prices.
- civil disobedience
specifically refers to breaking certain laws as a form of protest
- passive resistance
historical term for refusing to cooperate with authorities without using force
- armed struggle
using weapons to achieve political goals
- violent revolt
an uprising that involves attacking people or property
文法句型
through nonviolence
use nonviolence to + verb
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: this sense describes specific actions (protests, boycotts, marches), not just a general belief. Frequently used with verbs of action like 'use,' 'employ,' 'practise,' and 'organise.'