What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
expansionism
Example
The government's expansionist policies led to conflicts with neighboring countries. [expansionist: adjective]
Example
Expansionism was a popular idea among politicians and military leaders in the 19th century. [expansionism: noun]
imperialism
Example
The British Empire was a prime example of imperialism, with colonies spanning the globe. [imperialism: noun]
Example
Many critics argue that the US foreign policy is driven by imperialistic ambitions. [imperialistic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Imperialism is more commonly used than expansionism in everyday language, especially in historical and political contexts. Expansionism is a less common term and may be used in more specialized or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between expansionism and imperialism?
Both expansionism and imperialism are formal terms used in academic, historical, and political contexts. However, imperialism is often associated with a negative connotation and may be considered more informal in certain contexts.
