partisan

What does “partisan” mean?

noun.a strong supporter of a party, cause, or person.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in passages discussing political affiliations, social movements, or historical contexts, highlighting the strong loyalty individuals feel towards a particular group or ideology. It emphasizes a lack of objectivity, suggesting that such supporters may prioritize party loyalty over impartiality, setting it apart from more neutral terms like "supporter" or "advocate."

Common Confusions

Partisan implies a strong, often biased loyalty to a specific group or ideology, while supporter usually suggests a more neutral or general endorsement without the same level of allegiance.

Example Sentences

• They were blinded by partisan zeal.

• The senator's partisan remarks during the debate alienated members of the opposing party, who felt their concerns were being dismissed.