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Newspeak - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Newspeak is a controlled language created to limit freedom of thought, as depicted in George Orwell's 1984. It simplifies vocabulary and restricts expression to enforce political conformity.

newspeak

/ˈnuˌspik/ /ˈnjuːˌspiːk/

Definition:

Deliberately ambiguous or misleading language used to control thought, as in Orwell's "1984."

Synonyms:

doublespeak, propaganda, jargon, euphemism

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

plain speech, honesty, clarity

Common Collocations:

totalitarian newspeak, Orwellian newspeak, political newspeak

Derivatives:

newspeaker, newspeaking

Usage Tips:

Use "newspeak" to describe manipulative language that distorts meaning for ideological control.

Common Phrases:

Orwellian newspeak, speak in newspeak, the language of newspeak

Etymology:

Coined by George Orwell in "1984," combining "new" and "speak" to denote controlled language.

Examples:

  • 1. The government enforced newspeak to limit free expression.
  • 2. Newspeak often replaces harsh truths with comforting lies.
  • 3. Critics accused the leader of using newspeak to mislead the public.
  • 4. Orwell's novel warns about the dangers of newspeak in society.

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