Part of Speech

noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkæpɪtəlɪst/

Definitions

• A person who supports or believes in the economic system of capitalism, in which trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit rather than by the state.
• A wealthy person who owns and controls a large amount of capital or property, especially in business or industry.
• In a broader sense, someone who profits from the capitalistic system, often referring to business owners or investors.

Usage Examples

• The capitalist class is often seen as the driving force behind economic growth in a market-based economy.
• He became a successful capitalist by investing in the tech industry during its early stages.
• Critics of capitalism argue that the capitalist system leads to the exploitation of workers and inequality.

Etymology

The word "capitalist" derives from the word "capital," which refers to wealth or assets. The suffix "-ist" indicates a person who practices or believes in a particular system or theory. The term emerged in the 19th century as a way to describe individuals who benefited from the system of capitalism, especially in contrast to workers or laborers.

Synonyms

• Business owner
• Entrepreneur
• Investor
• Tycoon
• Industrialist

Antonyms

• Socialist
• Communist
• Worker
• Laborer
• Proletariat

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the emphasis is often on the first syllable: /ˈkæpɪtəlɪst/.
• In British English, the pronunciation is similar but may have a slight variation in vowel sounds.

Historical Usage

The term "capitalist" originated in the 19th century, during the rise of industrialization and the spread of capitalist economic systems. The word has been used both positively, to describe wealthy business owners who drive innovation and create jobs, and negatively, especially in Marxist literature, to denote those who exploit workers for profit.

Cultural Nuances

The perception of "capitalists" can vary widely depending on cultural context. In capitalist societies, capitalists are often celebrated as innovators and job creators. However, in more socialist or communist contexts, they may be seen as the source of societal inequality and exploitation. This division in views highlights the ideological conflicts surrounding capitalism.

More Information

Capitalists have played a key role in shaping the modern world economy, often seen as the driving force behind technological progress and the creation of wealth. However, debates continue over the negative effects of capitalism, such as economic inequality, environmental degradation, and the marginalization of workers. Understanding the complexities of capitalism is crucial to evaluating the advantages and drawbacks of this economic system.