capitalists
|cap-i-tal-ists|
/ˈkæpɪtəlɪsts/
(capitalist)
wealth investor
Etymology
'capitalist' originates from French, specifically the word 'capitaliste', formed from 'capital' + the agent suffix '-iste'.
'capitalist' entered English in the 19th century (from French 'capitaliste'). The English 'capital' comes from Old French 'capitale' and ultimately from Latin 'capitale', built on 'caput' meaning 'head'.
Initially it referred to someone who owned or invested capital; over the 19th and 20th centuries the term also gained political and social meaning, denoting supporters or members of the capitalist system or capitalist class.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'capitalist': a person who owns capital or means of production, especially an investor or wealthy business owner; by extension, people who support or benefit from capitalism.
Many capitalists invested in the new industry to expand their businesses.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/18 02:07