Langimage
English

capitalism

|cap/i/tal/ism|

B2

/ˈkæpɪtəlɪzəm/

private ownership economy

Etymology
Etymology Information

'capitalism' originates from the French word 'capitalisme', which is derived from 'capital', meaning 'wealth or property'.

Historical Evolution

'capitalisme' transformed into the English word 'capitalism' in the mid-19th century.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to the ownership of capital, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of an economic system based on private ownership.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

an economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of capital goods, by investments that are determined by private decision, and by prices, production, and the distribution of goods that are determined mainly by competition in a free market.

Capitalism encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/15 11:22