patriotic

/ˌˈpeɪtriˌɑdɪk/

/pætriˈɒtɪk/

Respect for the country's flag, a desire to see your nation succeed, and a deep, abiding love of your country are all patriotic expressions, but being patriotic doesn’t mean you think your country’s perfect — just that you love it.

The Greek word patēr, which means father, was the basis for the word patris, or native land, and so patriotic came to mean "a love of country." In the 18th century, the word was formed from the word patriot by adding the suffix -ic, which turns a noun into an adjective. An example of a patriotic comment would be this one, by President Bill Clinton: "There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America."

Definitions of patriotic

1. adjective

   inspired by love for your country
   synonyms: loyal

   loyal

   steadfast in allegiance or duty

   chauvinistic, flag-waving, jingoistic, nationalistic, superpatriotic, ultranationalistic

   fanatically patriotic

   antonyms:

   unpatriotic

   showing lack of love for your country

   disloyal

   deserting your allegiance or duty to leader or cause or principle

   un-American

   considered contrary to the best interests of the United States