The word "subversive" is spelled with the letter "s" followed by "u," "b," "v," "e," "r," "s," "i," and "v," and ends with the letter "e." The IPA transcription for "subversive" is /səbˈvɜrsɪv/. The emphasis is on the second syllable, as denoted by the symbol /ˈ/. This word means seeking to overthrow or undermine an established system, commonly used in reference to political or social movements. Be sure to spell it correctly when using it in your writing!
Subversive is an adjective that describes something or someone intended to undermine, disrupt, or overthrow an established system, authority, or institution, typically in a secretive or clandestine manner. It refers to actions, ideas, or individuals that seek to challenge or weaken the existing norms, beliefs, social structures, or ideologies of a society in order to bring about radical change or subvert the established order.
The term "subversive" can be used in various contexts, such as political, social, or cultural. In politics, it is often associated with illegal or covert activities intended to destabilize governments or challenge the status quo. In social and cultural contexts, it can refer to practices, art, literature, or ideologies that challenge mainstream conventions, norms, or values.
Subversive actions or movements are characterized by their non-conformist, rebellious, or oppositional nature. They often aim to provoke thought, provoke change, or expose hidden truths. However, because they go against prevailing authorities or norms, subversive acts can be perceived as threatening or dangerous by those in power, leading to suppression or censorship.
While the term "subversive" often carries negative connotations, it can also be seen as a positive force in promoting progress, social justice, or freedom of expression. Its impact depends on the context, intent, and consequences of the subversive actions or ideas involved.
Tending to subvert or overthrow.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "subversive" comes from the Latin term "subversivus", which is derived from the verb "subvertere". "Subvertere" is made up of "sub", meaning "from below", and "vertere", meaning "to turn". Therefore, the literal meaning of "subversive" is "to turn from below" or "to overthrow". In English, the word first appeared in the mid-16th century with the same meaning of undermining authority or destabilizing an established system or order.