Leninists

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A group of political activists who follow the principles and ideas of Vladimir Lenin regarding socialism and governance
2. Adherents who promote the revolutionary tactics and strategies championed by Lenin for a proletarian state
3. Individuals who advocate for the establishment of a communist society based on Lenin's interpretations of Marxism

Etymology: Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov adopted "Lenin" as a revolutionary pen name, and the reason for his choice is uncertain. The Lena River in Siberia is often suggested as the inspiration, but that link is not documented. His supporters came to be called after the name, and the doctrine built on his reading of Marx took the name "Leninism." The ending "-ist" marks an adherent of a doctrine or cause. It comes through French "-iste" from Latin "-ista," which was borrowed from Greek "-istes," a suffix for someone who practises or follows something. This is the same pattern as "Marxist," formed from Marx. "Leninists" is simply the plural of the noun, and the form is a plain formation rather than a separate word with its own history.

Synonyms: communists, bolsheviks