What does "partisan" mean?
An adherent to a party or faction.
Partisan
/ˈpɑː.tɪˌzæn/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An adherent to a party or faction.
- Grammar: partisan is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abettor, acquaintance, activist, adherent.
- Useful contrasts: impartial, apolitical, apolitical activity.
- Usage evidence: Partisan politics is getting in the way of necessary finance reform.
How to use "partisan"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "partisan" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "partisan" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "partisan" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "partisan" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "partisan" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "abettor" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "partisan", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An adherent to a party or faction.
""Strong partisans of neither party, Indiana farmers failed to act as a block […]""
- 2 A long-handled spear with a triangular, double-edged blade having lateral projections, in some forms also used in boar hunting. historical
"I had as lief have a reed that will do me no service as a partisan I could not heave."
- 3 a pike with a long tapering double-edged blade with lateral projections; 16th and 17th centuries wordnet
- 4 A fervent, sometimes militant, supporter or proponent of a party, cause, faction, person, or idea.
- 5 A soldier armed with such a weapon. obsolete
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of some person or activity wordnet
- 7 A member of a band of detached light, irregular troops acting behind occupying enemy lines in the ways of harassment or sabotage; a guerrilla fighter.
- 8 a fervent and even militant proponent of something wordnet
- 9 The commander of a body of detached light troops engaged in making forays and harassing an enemy. archaic
Adjective
- 1 Serving as commander or member of a body of detached light troops.
"partisan officer, partisan corps"
- 2 Adherent to a party or faction; especially, having the character of blind, passionate, or unreasonable adherence to a party.
"They were blinded by partisan zeal."
- 3 Devoted to or biased in support of a party, group, or cause.
"partisan politics"
Adjective
- 1 devoted to a cause or party wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"Partisan politics is getting in the way of necessary finance reform."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "partisan"?
Common synonyms include: abettor, acquaintance, activist, adherent, admirer, advocate.
How do you use "partisan" in a sentence?
Partisan politics is getting in the way of necessary finance reform.
How do you pronounce "partisan"?
Pronounced /ˈpɑː.tɪˌzæn/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From French partisan, from Italian partigiano (“defender of a party”), from parte (“part”). Doublet of partigiano. Attested in English from the late 15th century in the noun sense of "party adherent", and in related adjective senses from the 16th century. The "guerrilla fighter" sense influenced by Serbo-Croatian partizan, Russian партиза́н (partizán), from the same source. The sense of "guerrilla fighter" is from c. 1690. The adjective in the military sense dates from the early 18th century.
Etymology 2
From French partizaine, from Middle French partizaine, partisanne etc., from Italian partigiana, related to Etymology 1 above (apparently because it was seen as a typical weapon of such forces).