Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkɒmjʊnɪzəm/

Definitions

• Noun: A political and economic ideology that advocates for a classless society in which all property is collectively owned, and the state controls the means of production.
• Noun: A system of government where a single party rules in the name of the people, and private ownership is replaced by public ownership of property and resources.
• Noun (Marxist-Leninist Definition): The theory that aims to abolish capitalist structures and replace them with a state-controlled economy, where wealth is distributed equally among the people.

Usage Examples

• The communist government took control of the nation's industries after the revolution.
• Many believe that communism offers a solution to economic inequality.
• Communism has been implemented in various forms across the world, with varying results.

Etymology

The word "communism" comes from the Latin "communis," meaning "common" or "shared." It was first used in the 19th century during the rise of socialist and communist ideologies, particularly by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who envisioned a system in which all people had equal access to resources and wealth.

Synonyms

• Socialism
• Marxism
• Collectivism
• Proletarianism
• Leftism

Antonyms

• Capitalism
• Free market
• Individualism
• Privatization
• Liberalism

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some regions, "communism" is pronounced with a more pronounced "i" sound, while in others it may be softened. For example, in Eastern Europe, there might be a sharper pronunciation of the "c" sound, whereas in Latin America, it might sound more fluid and flowing.

Historical Usage

The term "communism" emerged in the 19th century, following the writings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. The most prominent expression of communism was in the Russian Revolution of 1917, leading to the establishment of the Soviet Union. Throughout the 20th century, communism spread across various parts of the world, including China, Cuba, and parts of Eastern Europe, where it often led to significant political and social changes.

Cultural Nuances

Communism as a political ideology has had varied cultural impacts depending on the country and the form of communism adopted. In the Soviet Union, for instance, communism became synonymous with state control, censorship, and the suppression of dissent. In China, communism evolved into "Chinese socialism," a blend of communist ideology with economic reforms. In Western cultures, communism has often been viewed with suspicion or opposition due to its association with authoritarian regimes and the suppression of individual freedoms.

More Information

Communism is a radical political and economic system that aims to create a classless society where the means of production are collectively owned and controlled. While the implementation of communism has varied from country to country, its core principles remain the same: the abolition of private property, the establishment of a planned economy, and the goal of achieving economic and social equality. The 20th century saw communism become a dominant political force, influencing global politics and leading to the formation of communist states such as the Soviet Union and China. However, communism has also faced significant criticism and challenges, particularly regarding the suppression of political freedoms and economic inefficiencies.