Critical Theory Terminology

adjective relating to or involving sexual desire or libido

• The psychologist analyzed the patient's libidinal impulses during the therapy session.
• She's always talking about her libidinal desires, it's kind of awkward.
• I can't believe he said that out loud, he has such a libidinal mind.
• The artist's work was described as having a libidinal energy that captivated the audience.

noun a person who follows the ideas of Karl Marx, a philosopher and economist who believed in socialism and communism

adjective relating to or supporting the ideas of Karl Marx

• The professor lectured on the principles of Marxist economics.
• My friend is a hardcore Marxist and loves discussing political theory.
• I heard that guy is a total Marxist, always talking about revolution and stuff.
• Her approach to solving problems is very Marxist, always focusing on class struggle.

noun a person who tends to be pessimistic or critical, especially about the future or outcome of events

• The negativist in the group always finds something to criticize.
• Don't be such a negativist, try to see the positive side of things.
• That guy is such a negativist, he never has anything nice to say.
• Her mind was like a magnet for negativist thoughts, always focusing on the worst possible outcome.

noun a person of inferior status or rank

adjective of lower rank or status

• The subaltern group within the organization has been historically marginalized.
• The subaltern employees often feel overlooked by management.
• Those subaltern folks don't get enough credit for their hard work.
• In the hierarchy of the company, she felt like a subaltern trying to climb to the top.