tribalism

IPA/ˈtraɪbəlɪzəm/
KK[trˈaɪbəlɪzəm]IPA/ˈtraɪbəlɪzəm/

tribalism — noun

1. a social structure built around tribes, together with a deep emotional attachmen

1.名詞B2
釋義

a social structure built around tribes, together with a deep emotional attachment to one's own tribal group

例句

The Maasai of East Africa maintain a strong sense of tribalism in their daily lives.

collocation: strong sense of tribalism

Kwame learned about the history of tribalism among various groups in West Africa.

同義詞
  • tribal identity

    focuses on the sense of belonging rather than the social structure

  • tribal loyalty

    emphasises the emotional bond more directly

  • clannishness

    carries a slightly negative tone, suggesting exclusivity

反義詞

用法筆記

In this sense, the word describes either a literal tribal social structure or the emotional bond within a tribe. Distinguish from sense 2, where the loyalty is to any social or political group rather than an actual tribe.

常見錯誤

❌Tribalism only happens in remote villages.
✅Tribalism can also refer to the cultural identity of indigenous groups living in modern cities.
💡Tribalism is a concept that includes identity and loyalty, not just physical living arrangements.

2. the practice of always defending the party or community you belong to, without c

2.名詞C1
釋義

the practice of always defending the party or community you belong to, without considering whether it is right or wrong

例句

Political tribalism in the country has made it hard for the two parties to cooperate.

collocation: political tribalism

Mayumi worried that online tribalism was pushing people to defend their group without thinking.

collocation: online tribalism

同義詞
  • partisanship

    more specific to political parties; less emotional in tone

  • factionalism

    focuses on smaller groups breaking off within a larger organisation

  • sectarianism

    limited to religious groups

反義詞

用法筆記

This sense usually carries a negative connotation. It describes a situation where group identity overrides reason or fairness. Frequently appears with modifiers such as 'political', 'online', or 'modern'.

常見錯誤

❌The fans showed tribalism for their team.
✅The fans showed strong loyalty to their team.
💡'Tribalism' in sense 2 suggests blind support with negative consequences; simple sports loyalty is better expressed by 'loyalty' or 'team spirit'.