Reformists

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Individuals who advocate for changes in political or social structures to improve conditions or systems
2. People who promote modifications within a specific ideology or movement to address perceived issues and promote progress
3. Advocates for amendments or alterations that seek to bring about improvement in governance, societal norms, or institutional practices

Etymology: "Reformists" is the plural of "reformist," a noun for someone who seeks to improve an institution, practice or society through change. The word is built from "reform" with the suffix "-ist," which marks a person who adheres to or advocates a doctrine or cause. "Reform" itself came into English from Old French "reformer," from Latin "reformare," meaning to form again or to shape anew, combining "re-" (again) with "formare" (to form). The "-ist" ending is what turns an action or idea into a person defined by it, so the word names the advocate rather than the act. Such formations were common in English from around the end of the 16th century, when the suffix was being used to create nouns for adherents of a movement or set of principles. Its earliest use is tied to that period, and it has been used to describe campaigners for change ever since.

Synonyms: progressives, revolutionaries, advocates, change agents

Antonyms: conservatives, traditionalists, reactionaries