Origin: Greek suffix -ism
Capitalism has 2 different meanings across 1 category:
an economic system based on private ownership of capital
"The country's rapid industrial growth was driven by its shift toward capitalism, where factories and machinery are owned privately rather than by the state."
A socio-economic system based on private ownership of resources or capital.
"The rise of capitalism transformed society by shifting land and factories from royal control to private individuals who owned them outright."
In plain English: Capitalism is an economic system where private individuals own businesses and compete to make money by selling goods and services.
"Many people believe that capitalism allows businesses to grow by encouraging competition and private ownership."
Usage: Capitalism refers to an economic system where individuals own businesses and property rather than the government, distinguishing it from socialism which emphasizes public control. It is often contrasted with communism in discussions about how wealth and production are distributed within a society.
Capitalism comes from the French word capitalisme, which means "the condition of one who is rich." This term combines the word for wealth with a suffix indicating a system or practice.