national - nationalist

◊ 'national'

National is used to describe something that belongs to or is typical of a particular country or nation.

...the national economy.

...changes in the national diet.

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◊ 'nationalist'

Nationalist is usually used as a noun. A nationalist is someone who tries to obtain political independence for his or her country.

...a great Indonesian nationalist.

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You can also use nationalist as an adjective to describe people, movements, or ideas.

Nationalist leaders demanded the extension of democratic rights.

...the nationalist movements of French West Africa.

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◊ 'nationalistic'

If someone is very proud of their country and thinks it is better than other countries, you can say that they or their views are nationalistic. This word is always used to indicate disapproval of someone's views.

...an attempt to arouse nationalistic passions against the foreigner.

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◊ 'patriotic'

Normally, if someone is proud of their country, you say that they or their feelings are patriotic. This word is usually used to indicate approval of someone's feelings.

...an earnest wish to enlist the patriotic spirit of the nation.

I believe that this is the only way that an ordinary person can inspire others to be patriotic.

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