subversive

/səbˈvɜː.sɪv/ (bre, ipa) · [səbvˈɚsɪv] /səbˈvɝː.sɪv/ (ame, ipa) · [səbvˈɚsɪv] /|s|iv How to pronounce subversive (audio) |ēv also |z| or |əv/ (ame, mw) · /səbˈvɜːsɪv/ (bre, ipa) · [səbvˈɚsɪv] /səbˈvɜːrsɪv/ (ame, ipa)

subversive — adjective

  • subversivepositive
  • more subversivecomparative
  • most subversivesuperlative

1. describing ideas, writings, or actions that aim to secretly weaken or overthrow

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing ideas, writings, or actions that aim to secretly weaken or overthrow a government, an organization, or an accepted system of authority.

例句

Haruto was arrested for handing out subversive pamphlets that called for government overthrow.

subversive + noun: pamphlets, literature, ideas

The school board banned the novel, saying its subversive messages might make students question authority.

同義詞
  • seditious

    more legal and formal; specifically describes speech or actions that incite rebellion against the state

  • revolutionary

    more openly political; implies wanting to replace the entire system, not just weaken it

  • dissident

    as an adjective, focuses on disagreeing publicly rather than secretly undermining

反義詞
  • loyal

    faithful to the established government or system

  • patriotic

    showing support and love for one's country and its institutions

用法筆記

Often used to describe materials (pamphlets, articles, films) that authorities believe threaten public order. Can also describe an action or speech pattern.

常見錯誤

❌The rebel wrote a subversive letter to his mother.
✅The rebel wrote a subversive pamphlet calling for revolution.
💡subversive describes content aimed at undermining authority, not personal or neutral correspondence.
❌The weather was subversive and ruined our picnic.
✅The propaganda was subversive and aimed to turn citizens against their leaders.
💡subversive describes political or systemic opposition, not everyday nuisances.

subversive — noun