Reactionary vs. Revolutionary — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 14, 2024
Reactionaries seek to restore previous social structures and norms, whereas revolutionaries aim to fundamentally change or overthrow existing systems.
Difference Between Reactionary and Revolutionary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Reactionaries often advocate for a return to a previous state of society that they view as better or more stable, focusing on preserving or reinstating traditional values and practices. On the other hand, revolutionaries seek profound change, pushing for the transformation or overthrow of existing social, political, or economic structures.
In political contexts, reactionaries are typically aligned with conservative or right-wing ideologies, emphasizing stability and continuity. In contrast, revolutionaries are often associated with radical, left-wing, or progressive movements, advocating for sweeping reforms or revolutionary approaches.
Reactionary movements usually arise in response to perceived threats to the established order, aiming to undo changes that have already occurred. Whereas, revolutionary movements are proactive, motivated by a vision of a new and often radically different future.
The goals of reactionaries can include the reinforcement of hierarchies, the revival of traditional cultures, and the preservation of established power dynamics. Conversely, revolutionaries aim to dismantle these hierarchies, promote egalitarianism, and challenge traditional power structures.
The methods employed by reactionaries can include legislative rollback, restoration of old laws, and revival of traditional norms. Revolutionaries, however, might utilize protests, uprisings, or other forms of civil disobedience to achieve their goals.
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Comparison Chart
Ideology
Conservative, traditional
Progressive, radical
Goals
Restore past norms and structures
Overthrow and rebuild systems
Motivation
Perceived decline in societal values
Desire for sweeping reform
Typical Strategies
Reinstatement of old laws, norms
Protests, revolutions, civil disobedience
Association with Time
Looking to the past
Focused on the future
Compare with Definitions
Reactionary
Opposing political or social liberalization or reform.
The reactionary policies were aimed at reversing the recent liberal laws.
Revolutionary
Involving or causing a complete or dramatic change.
The revolutionary technology completely altered how we communicate.
Reactionary
A person who opposes significant political, social, or economic change.
The leader was known as a staunch reactionary.
Revolutionary
A person who works for or engages in political revolution.
The historical figure was celebrated as a revolutionary.
Reactionary
Relating to, marked by, or favoring reaction, especially extreme conservatism.
The reactionary measures did not sit well with the progressive populace.
Revolutionary
An advocate or participant in a revolutionary movement.
Revolutionaries gathered to discuss their strategies.
Reactionary
An advocate of returning to a previous state in a society.
Reactionaries in the country were nostalgic for the former regime.
Revolutionary
Radical change aimed at overthrowing a political or social system.
Revolutionary ideas spread quickly among the dissatisfied youth.
Reactionary
Characterized by resistance to change.
His reactionary views made him unpopular among the reformers.
Revolutionary
Pertaining to or characteristic of revolution.
Their revolutionary fervor was unmatched.
Reactionary
In political science, a reactionary or reactionist is a person or entity holding political views that favor a return to a previous political state of society that they believe possessed positive characteristics that are absent in contemporary society. As an adjective, the word reactionary describes points of view and policies meant to restore a past status quo.
Revolutionary
A revolutionary is a person who either participates in, or advocates a revolution. Also, when used as an adjective, the term revolutionary refers to something that has a major, sudden impact on society or on some aspect of human endeavor.
Reactionary
Characterized by reaction, especially opposition to progress or liberalism; extremely conservative
The principal is very reactionary.
She wants the school to stay the way it has been for the last 50 years.
Revolutionary
Often Revolutionary Relating to or being a revolution
Revolutionary war.
A museum of the Revolutionary era.
Reactionary
An opponent of progress or liberalism; an extreme conservative.
Revolutionary
Bringing about or supporting a political or social revolution
Revolutionary pamphlets.
Reactionary
(politics) Favoring a return to an alleged golden age of the past; anti-progressive.
Revolutionary
Marked by or resulting in radical change
A revolutionary discovery.
Reactionary
(chemistry) Of, pertaining to, participating in, or inducing a chemical reaction.
Revolutionary
A militant in the struggle for revolution.
Reactionary
In reaction to; as a result of.
Revolutionary
A supporter of revolutionary principles.
Reactionary
(politics) One who is opposed to progress and change and wants to reverse it, wishing for a return to an alleged, mythical golden age of the past.
Revolutionary
Of or pertaining to a revolution in government; tending to, or promoting, revolution
Revolutionary war
Revolutionary measures
Revolutionary agitators
Reactionary
Being, causing, or favoring reaction; as, reactionary movements.
Revolutionary
Pertaining to something that portends of great change; overthrowing a standing mindset
A revolutionary new tool
Reactionary
One who favors reaction, or seeks to undo political progress or revolution.
Revolutionary
(sciences) pertaining to something that revolves
Reactionary
An extreme conservative; an opponent of progress or liberalism
Revolutionary
A revolutionist; a person who revolts.
Reactionary
Extremely conservative
Revolutionary
Of or pertaining to a revolution in government; tending to, or promoting, revolution; as, revolutionary war; revolutionary measures; revolutionary agitators.
Revolutionary
A revolutionist.
Dumfries was a Tory town, and could not tolerate a revolutionary.
Revolutionary
A radical supporter of political or social revolution
Revolutionary
Markedly new or introducing radical change;
A revolutionary discovery
Radical political views
Revolutionary
Relating to or having the nature of a revolution;
Revolutionary wars
The Revolutionary era
Revolutionary
Advocating or engaged in revolution;
Revolutionary pamphlets
A revolutionary junta
Common Curiosities
What is the goal of a revolutionary?
The goal of a revolutionary is to bring about significant change, often through the overthrow of existing systems and structures.
How do reactionary movements typically manifest?
Reactionary movements manifest as efforts to revert to or preserve older systems and values, often resisting modern developments.
Can a movement be both reactionary and revolutionary?
Typically, movements are either reactionary or revolutionary based on whether they aim to restore the past or create a new future, though the line can sometimes blur in practice.
What defines a reactionary?
A reactionary is someone who seeks to maintain or return to traditional values and norms, typically opposing major reforms or changes.
What strategies do revolutionaries use?
Revolutionaries might use protests, uprisings, or other forms of activism to achieve their objectives of systemic change.
What historical examples exist of reactionary movements?
Historical examples include the Restoration period in England and the White Army during the Russian Civil War.
Are reactionary politics only associated with right-wing ideologies?
Primarily, yes, reactionary politics are often linked with conservative or right-wing ideologies, focusing on preserving the status quo.
How do reactionary and revolutionary views affect politics?
These views create dynamics in political landscapes, with reactionaries often supporting conservative parties and revolutionaries backing progressive agendas.
Can a revolutionary be conservative?
Typically not, as revolutionaries seek radical change which generally opposes conservative principles.
What are some famous revolutionary movements?
Examples include the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
