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What is the Meaning of “Collectivism”?

Collectivism
/kəˈlektɪvɪzəm/
noun C1 Tier 4 (Top 10,000 words) academic

the idea that people work together as a group and value group success over personal achievement

Definition of Collectivism

Quick Meaning of Collectivism

the idea that people work together as a group and value group success over personal achievement

Detailed Definition of Collectivism

belief that group welfare is more important than individual interests

How to Pronounce Collectivism

IPA: /kəˈlektɪvɪzəm/
col lec ti vism

Stress pattern: oOoo (4-syllable word).

Tip: /kəˈlektɪvɪzəm/ - stress on LECK-tiv. Say 'kuh-LEK-tuh-viz-um' with emphasis on the second syllable.

Watch out: Learners may say 'collek-TIV-ism' with stress on third syllable instead of second.

Full pronunciation guide for “collectivism” →

Origin and Etymology of Collectivism

How to Use Collectivism in a Sentence

Each example shows “collectivism” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “Groups work together.”
    A2 daily
  • “Japanese culture emphasizes collectivism and harmony within groups.”
    B2 academic
  • “Collectivism in business means teams work toward shared organizational goals.”
    C1 formal

Synonyms and Antonyms of Collectivism

Common Synonyms for Collectivism

Smart Synonyms for Collectivism — When to Use Each

communitarianism
emphasizing community over individual
groupthink
collective decisions that suppress individual thought

Antonyms of Collectivism

See all synonyms for “collectivism” →

Common Collocations with Collectivism

These phrases pair with “collectivism” in everyday English:

  • cultural collectivism
  • emphasis on collectivism
  • promote collectivism
  • value collectivism

Common Mistakes When Using Collectivism

Even fluent speakers slip up with “collectivism”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong:
✓ Correct: Individualism values success.
✗ Wrong:
✓ Correct: The collectivism in East Asia.

Words Confused With Collectivism

  • Collectivism vs Individualism: Opposite concepts: collectivism prioritizes group, individualism prioritizes person Compare →

Other Forms of Collectivism

Frequently Asked Questions About Collectivism

What is the meaning of "Collectivism"?

the idea that people work together as a group and value group success over personal achievement

How do you pronounce "Collectivism"?

The IPA is /kəˈlektɪvɪzəm/. /kəˈlektɪvɪzəm/ - stress on LECK-tiv. Say 'kuh-LEK-tuh-viz-um' with emphasis on the second syllable.

What part of speech is "Collectivism"?

"Collectivism" is a noun at C1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Collectivism"?

Common synonyms include groupism, communitarianism, socialism.

How do you use "Collectivism" in a sentence?

For example: "Groups work together."

Explore Collectivism in Other Tools