Militant Tendency
Militant Tendency
Pronunciation
militant: /ˈmɪl.ɪ.tənt/ or /ˈmɪl.ə.tənt/ (both are common, with the first being more typical in British English) tendency: /ˈtɛn.dən.si/
Syllable Breakdown:
mil-i-tant
mil: /mɪl/ (as in "mill")
i-: /ɪ/ or /ə/ (a short 'i' sound, or a schwa, similar to the 'a' in "about")
tant: /tənt/ (the 't' sound followed by a schwa and 'nt')
ten-den-cy
ten: /tɛn/ (as in "ten")
den: /dən/ (the 'd' sound followed by a schwa and 'n')
cy: /si/ (as in "see")
Word Form Variations
"Militant tendency" is primarily a noun phrase. As such, its variations are limited.
Singular: militant tendency
Plural: militant tendencies
Proper Noun (historical context): The Militant Tendency (referring to the specific Trotskyist group in the UK Labour Party)
While "militant" can be an adjective or a noun on its own, and "tendency" is a noun, "militant tendency" functions as a single, fixed term.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
1. A strong and often aggressive inclination or predisposition, particularly towards political or social action that is combative or confrontational.
Synonyms: radical inclination, activist bent, aggressive leaning, revolutionary propensity, dogmatic predisposition
Antonyms: pacifist inclination, moderate tendency, conciliatory bent, compromising disposition, peaceful leaning
2. (Often capitalized, "The Militant Tendency") A specific historical political group, particularly referring to the Trotskyist entryist organization within the British Labour Party from the 1960s to the 1980s, known for its highly organized and uncompromising pursuit of socialist aims.
Synonyms: (In this specific historical context, there are no direct synonyms, but descriptive terms could include) Trotskyist faction, Labour Party hard-left, entryist group.
Antonyms: (In this specific historical context, there are no direct antonyms, but opposing groups could be) moderate Labour, centrist Labour, Labour right-wing.
Examples of Use
Newspapers & Online Publications:
"The Labour Party’s battles with internal factions, particularly the Militant Tendency, in the 1980s are a well-documented chapter in British political history." (Often found in articles discussing Labour Party history or internal party struggles, e.g., The Guardian, BBC News archives).
"Analysts are concerned about a growing militant tendency within the protest movement, signaling a potential shift towards more confrontational tactics." (Seen in news reports analyzing social movements or political unrest, e.g., The New York Times, Reuters).
"While the party officially disavowed the group, the legacy of the Militant Tendency continued to influence certain segments of its youth wing for years." (From historical analyses or retrospective articles on political parties, e.g., The Independent, New Statesman).
Books:
"The rise and fall of the Militant Tendency within the Labour Party forms a crucial part of this political biography, illustrating the ideological clashes of the era." (From academic books on British politics or political biographies, e.g., The Benn Diaries by Tony Benn; Labour Inside the Gate: A History of the British Labour Party by Kevin Jefferys).
"Some critics accused the union of exhibiting a militant tendency in its negotiations, refusing to compromise on key demands." (In non-fiction books discussing labor relations, social movements, or political science).
"His early political education was shaped by exposure to various radical groups, including whispers of the militant tendency emerging from student circles." (Found in memoirs or historical fiction set during periods of political activism).
Entertainment Mediums & Platforms:
Documentaries/Television Series: "A segment of the documentary detailed how the Militant Tendency organized within the Liverpool city council, leading to direct confrontations with Margaret Thatcher's government." (Often featured in historical documentaries about 20th-century British politics, e.g., Margaret: The Unauthorised Biography, or series like The Crown might touch upon the political climate).
Podcasts: "In today's episode, we delve into the extraordinary story of how the Militant Tendency became such a powerful force in the Labour Party and why it ultimately faced expulsion." (Political history podcasts, e.g., The Rest Is Politics, Talking Politics from the London Review of Books).
Fictionalized Accounts (indirect): While direct use might be less common in pure entertainment fiction unless it's historically set, a character might be described as having a "militant tendency" in their approach to a cause, even if not explicitly political. "Her militant tendency to defend animal rights often put her at odds with local farmers." (This would be an example of the general sense, not the specific historical group).
General Public Discourse:
"You can see a real militant tendency in how they approach climate activism – they're not asking nicely anymore." (Informal conversations, social media discussions, or online forums discussing activism).
"My granddad always talks about the time the Militant Tendency tried to take over our local Labour branch." (Intergenerational conversations about past political events).
"There's a militant tendency among some users of this platform; they're very aggressive in pushing their views." (Online forum discussions or social media commentary discussing group behavior).
10 Famous Quotes Using Militant Tendency
"The Labour Party and the country have simply had enough of the Militant Tendency." (Neil Kinnock, Leader of the Labour Party, speech at the 1985 Labour Party Conference)
"What began as a tiny Trotskyist 'entryist' group burrowing into the Labour Party became, as the Militant Tendency, an increasingly potent force on the left..." (Andy McSmith, Faces of Labour: The Inside Story, 1996)
"There was a militant tendency in the student movement of the late sixties, a feeling that only direct action could bring about change." (Attributed to various historians discussing the 1960s, though not a single famous quote)
"If you want to know what the Labour Party would be like under the Militant Tendency, look at what happened in Liverpool." (Margaret Thatcher, referencing the Liverpool City Council under Militant's influence in the 1980s)
"A persistent militant tendency often alienates potential allies and can undermine the broader cause." (General observation about social movements, often found in political analysis)
"He possessed a militant tendency for justice, never backing down from a fight against perceived injustice." (Metaphorical usage, often found in biographical descriptions of activists)
"We reject any militant tendency that seeks to replace democratic debate with confrontational tactics." (Common phrase used by political leaders disavowing extremism within their ranks)
"The expulsion of the Militant Tendency was a watershed moment for the Labour Party, signaling a commitment to moving away from the far left." (Attributed to various political commentators and historians analyzing Labour Party reforms in the 1980s)
"There is a discernible militant tendency among the more extreme elements of the environmental movement." (Commentary often found in media discussing direct action environmental groups)
"My great fear is that a militant tendency could emerge if legitimate grievances are not addressed." (A common concern expressed by political leaders or social commentators regarding unrest)
Etymology
Militant
Origin: The word "militant" comes from the Latin word "militare," which means "to serve as a soldier" or "to fight." This Latin word itself is related to "miles," meaning "soldier."
First Known Use & Meaning:
In English, "militant" first appeared in the 15th century (around the 1400s) as an adjective.
Its earliest meaning was very close to its Latin roots: "engaged in warfare; fighting; warring." You would hear about "the Church militant," for instance, referring to Christians on Earth who are "fighting" for their faith against sin and evil, as opposed to the "Church triumphant" in heaven.
Over time, particularly by the 19th century, its meaning broadened to describe someone or something "aggressive or vigorous in supporting a cause or belief." This is where we get the sense of a "militant activist" or a "militant trade union." The core idea of fighting or being combative for a cause remained.
Tendency
Origin: The word "tendency" comes from the Latin word "tendere," which means "to stretch," "to extend," or "to incline."
First Known Use & Meaning:
In English, "tendency" first appeared in the early 17th century (around the 1600s).
Its initial meaning was "the act or fact of tending or moving in a certain direction." It referred to a leaning or inclination, a natural or habitual disposition to move, act, or think in a particular way. For example, you might say "the ball has a tendency to roll downhill."
Putting "Militant Tendency" Together
When you combine "militant" and "tendency," the phrase effectively describes a strong inclination or leaning towards aggressive, combative, or confrontational methods, especially in pursuit of a cause.
The most famous specific use of the capitalized "Militant Tendency" refers to a particular political group (a Trotskyist organization) within the British Labour Party in the mid to late 20th century. In this context, it describes their very strong, organized, and often confrontational approach to achieving their political goals. They had a "tendency" (an inclination or leaning) to be "militant" (combative and aggressive) in their political actions.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Militant Tendency
The Militant Tendency (proper noun use): Refers to the specific Trotskyist group within the UK Labour Party.
Example: "The Labour Party purged the Militant Tendency in the 1980s."
A militant tendency towards direct action: Describes a strong inclination in a group or individual to use direct, often confrontational, methods.
Example: "The protesters showed a militant tendency towards direct action rather than negotiation."
To display a militant tendency: To exhibit a strong and aggressive inclination.
Example: "He began to display a militant tendency in his arguments for reform."
To harbor a militant tendency: To secretly or quietly possess a strong, combative inclination.
Example: "Some felt the faction continued to harbor a militant tendency despite public pronouncements."
A marked militant tendency: A very noticeable or distinct aggressive inclination.
Example: "There was a marked militant tendency in their rhetoric, alarming some observers."
A nascent militant tendency: An emerging or developing aggressive inclination.
Example: "Authorities watched for any sign of a nascent militant tendency among the disaffected youth."
To curb a militant tendency: To restrain or reduce an aggressive inclination.
Example: "The leaders worked to curb a militant tendency within their ranks."
(Idiom with synonym) To have an activist bent: To possess a strong inclination towards activism.
Example: "She's always had an activist bent, ever since her college days."
(Idiom with synonym) A radical streak: A part of someone's character that is extreme or unconventional.
Example: "Despite his calm demeanor, he possessed a definite radical streak when it came to environmental issues."
(Original phrase) The shadow of a militant tendency: The lingering influence or threat of an aggressive approach.
Example: "Even after their expulsion, the shadow of a militant tendency remained over the party debates."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of Militant Tendency from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
