The way we understand Lenin's definition of imperialism is connected with how we study and judge Lenin's imperialist theory on the whole. The formation of this definition is based on the correct grasp of the relations in many aspects,such as possessing materials and using materials，narrative methods and research methods，and rigorous logic and popular expression,which embodies the scientificity of its methodology. It is also based on the critical exploration of definitions of imperialism of Hobson,Hilferding and Kautsky,which reflects the criticalness of its methodology，and based on the multiple definition of the feature,stage and system of imperialism，which shows the comprehensiveness of its methodology. This definition manifests the theoretical tension between“the definition as brief as possible”and“the definition as accurate and complete as possible”,and shows that Lenin grasps the materialistic dialectics profoundly and applies it flexibly. The methodological features in this definition derive from Lenin's high methodological consciousness，reflects his unique original creativity in theory，and manifests its important significance for guiding the practice. Therefore we should hold high the Marxist revolutionary spirit of dialectics showed in Lenin's definition of imperialism.

Editor: Zhong Yao

Studies on Marxism.2020.No.4.