Antireactionary

/ˌæntiːriˈækʃəˌneri/ adjective, noun

Definition

Opposed to reactionary politics or ideology; a person who opposes efforts to restore former political or social systems.

Etymology

Formed from anti- + reactionary (one who reacts against change). Coined in 19th-century political philosophy to describe opposition to regressive movements seeking to reverse historical progress.

Kelly Says

The prefix 'anti-' literally means you're against being against—antireactionaries oppose those who oppose progress, making this a double-negative concept that's common in political language but often confuses people.

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