Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkɒmjʊnɪst/

Definitions

• Adjective: Relating to or advocating communism, particularly in regard to political, social, and economic systems.
• Noun: A person who supports or believes in the principles of communism, especially a member of a communist political party.

Usage Examples

• The communist party was formed to challenge the existing capitalist system.
• He is a devoted communist, working to spread Marxist ideals.
• The communist government implemented strict control over the nation's economy.

Etymology

The word "communist" derives from the French "communiste," which comes from "communisme," meaning "communism." The root of the term is from the Latin "communis," meaning "common" or "shared." It was first used in the mid-19th century, particularly following the publication of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels' "The Communist Manifesto" in 1848, which articulated the principles of communism as a political and economic system.

Synonyms

• Marxist
• Socialist
• Revolutionary
• Left-wing
• Proletarian

Antonyms

• Capitalist
• Individualist
• Free-market
• Liberal
• Conservative

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "communist" may vary slightly depending on the region. For example, in Russia and some Eastern European countries, the pronunciation is more strongly stressed on the first syllable. In English-speaking countries, there may be a slightly softer "i" sound in the second syllable, with the stress more evenly distributed across the word.

Historical Usage

The term "communist" has been widely used since the publication of the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels in 1848. The ideology has played a key role in the history of the 20th century, particularly in the formation of communist states, including the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, and North Korea. The word has been a point of contention in political debates, especially during the Cold War, where it was often used as a term of disparagement in capitalist nations.

Cultural Nuances

The term "communist" is often associated with authoritarian regimes and state-controlled economies, though not all forms of communism have adhered to these practices. In some regions, particularly in the West, being labeled a "communist" has historically carried a negative connotation, implying an individual who opposes capitalism and liberal democracy. However, in countries where communism is more closely tied to the national identity, such as Cuba or China, the term can carry more neutral or even positive associations, depending on the political climate.

More Information

The term "communist" refers to both an ideology and a person who advocates for communism. Communism, as a political and economic theory, proposes the creation of a classless society where all property is publicly owned and each individual contributes according to their ability while receiving according to their needs. Historically, communism has been implemented through various revolutions, such as the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the Chinese Communist Revolution of 1949. Communist parties have governed several countries, and the ideology continues to influence global politics, though the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led many to question the practical viability of communist systems.