Key Difference – Partisan vs Bipartisan
Partisan and Bipartisan are two contrary words between which a key difference can be identified. Partisan refers to a strong supporter of a particular cause, group, party, idea or even a leader. Bipartisan refers to involving two political parties. The key difference between the two words is that while partisan involves a singular party, bipartisan involves two parties. Other than this difference, unlike bipartisan that can only be used as an adjective, partisan can be used as a noun as well. Let us gain an in-depth understanding of the two words through some examples.
What is Partisan?
The word partisan can be used as a noun as well as an adjective.
Partisan as a Noun
As a noun, partisan refers to a strong supporter of a particular cause, group, party, idea or even a leader. It can also be used when referring to a member of a military or organized group who attack the enemy. Such an individual is also known as a guerilla. Here it must be stressed that a partisan is not a mere supporter, in fact, a partisan is prejudiced, and blinded by the cause that his allegiance is seen as irrational. This word has been in existence since the 16th century.
He was a partisan of the old order.
The partisan forces attacked the armed men in such a tactful manner that they were completely ambushed.
Partisan as an Adjective
As an adjective, partisan refers to having the characteristics of a partisan or being biased towards a particular group, party, or cause.
The audience was baffled by his partisan speech.
The partisan newspaper misinformed the people during the election period.
What is Bipartisan?
Bipartisan is a word that has its roots in the word partisan. Bipartisan is a two part word composed of the prefix ‘bi’ and the word ‘partisan’. The word bipartisan is mainly used as an adjective. This refers to involving two political parties. It can even be defined as the representation of members of two parties.
Had it not been for the bipartisan support, the bill would never have passed.
The bipartisan resolution was approved by all.
What is the difference between Partisan and Bipartisan?
Definitions of Partisan and Bipartisan:
Partisan: Partisan refers to a strong supporter of a particular cause, group, party, idea or even a leader.
Bipartisan: Bipartisan refers to involving two political parties.
Characteristics of Partisan and Bipartisan:
Parts of Speech:
Partisan: Partisan can be used as a noun as well as an adjective.
Bipartisan: Bipartisan is mainly used as an adjective.
Other meanings:
Partisan: Partisan is used to refer to a guerrilla.
Bipartisan: The word bipartisan does not have other meanings.
Image Courtesy:
1. 8th Army Front- Italian Partisan Leader Honoured NA22066 By Bowman (Sgt), No 2 Army Film & Photographic Unit [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
2. 111th United State Senate By U.S. Senate, 111th Congress, Senate Photo Studio, [Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons
