Propaganda

Definition

Propaganda refers to information, especially biased or misleading in nature, used to promote or publicize a particular political cause or point of view.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌprɑpəˈɡændə/
• Respelling: PRAH-puh-GAN-duh (with "PRAH" as in "cot," "puh" as a short, unstressed sound as in "cup," "GAN" as in "gantry," and "duh" as in "duh")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌprɒpəˈɡændə/
• Respelling: PROP-uh-GAN-duh (with "PROP" as in "cot," "uh" as a short, unstressed sound as in "cup," "GAN" as in "gantry," and "duh" as in "duh")

In both dialects, "propaganda" is pronounced with the primary stress on the third syllable, "GAN." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, emphasizing the "GAN" part clearly while maintaining a more open vowel sound in the first syllable.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin "propagare", meaning "to spread or extend", the term "propaganda" was initially used in the context of the Catholic Church's missionary activities (Congregatio de Propaganda Fide) in the 1600s. It was only in the 20th century that the word came to be associated with biased or misleading information used for political gain.

Derivatives

• Propagandist
• Propagandize
• Propagandistic
• Propagandism
• Propagandaist

Synonyms

• Disinformation
• Brainwashing
• Indoctrination

Antonyms

• Truth
• Fact
• Objectivity

Usage

"Propaganda" is frequently associated with political contexts, especially during wars or campaigns, where information is manipulated or spun in a way that benefits a particular party or ideology.

Related Terms

• Spin
• Misinformation
• Public relations

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Biased or misleading information used to promote a particular political cause or point of view.
• Example: The government spread propaganda about the benefits of the new law, even though many were against it.

• A committee of cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church responsible for foreign missions, founded in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV.
• Example: The Propaganda played a crucial role in promoting Catholicism in new territories.