reactionary
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reactionary
Describes a political attitude that opposes social progress and wants to restore earlier conditions perceived as better. The attitude is strongly conservative and backward-looking.
Seine reaktionären Ansichten machten ihn bei den jungen Wählern unbeliebt.
His reactionary views made him unpopular with young voters.
The adjective 'reaktionär' (reactionary) is derived from the noun 'die Reaktion' (the reaction). It describes a political attitude that represents a 'Reaktion' (reaction) against progress and wants to restore old conditions.
Er vertritt eine reaktionäre Ideologie.
He supports a reactionary ideology.
The word 'reaktionär' (reactionary) is almost always meant negatively and disparagingly. It is often used in political debates as criticism of a person or an idea.
Die Opposition bezeichnete den Gesetzesvorschlag als reaktionär.
The opposition described the proposed law as reactionary.
'Reaktionär' (reactionary) often describes abstract political terms. Typical combinations are 'reaktionäre Ansichten' (reactionary views), 'reaktionäre Kräfte' (reactionary forces), or 'eine reaktionäre Politik' (a reactionary policy).
Die Partei ist für ihre reaktionären Positionen bekannt.
The party is known for its reactionary positions.
conservative
Both words describe a political attitude opposed to rapid social change. „Konservativ“ can simply mean preserving existing values, while „reaktionär“ is usually much more radical and seeks to restore earlier conditions. Use „konservativ“ for preservation and „reaktionär“ for a strongly backward-looking demand.
Die reaktionäre Bewegung fordert die Rückkehr zu früheren gesellschaftlichen Zuständen.
The reactionary movement is calling for a return to earlier social conditions.
Die konservative Partei möchte die bestehenden Regeln nur vorsichtig verändern.
The conservative party wants to change the existing rules only cautiously.
