Origin: Greek suffix -ist
Capitalist has 6 different meanings across 2 categories:
a conservative advocate of capitalism
"The capitalist argued that deregulating the market would spur innovation and create more jobs."
a person who invests capital in a business (especially a large business)
"The new factory was funded by a wealthy capitalist who invested millions of dollars into its expansion."
The owner of a considerable amount of capital; a wealthy person.
"The new capitalist expanded his factory by reinvesting all his profits into modern machinery."
In plain English: A capitalist is someone who owns businesses and makes money by selling goods or services to other people.
"The capitalist argued that private ownership drives economic growth better than state control."
of or relating to capitalism or capitalists
"a capitalist nation"
"capitalistic methods and incentives"
favoring or practicing capitalism
"The new policy was criticized by some as too capitalist, since it favored private ownership over public services."
Of, or pertaining to, capitalism.
"The capitalist approach prioritizes private ownership and profit over social welfare."
In plain English: Capitalist describes something related to an economic system where private individuals own businesses and make their own profits instead of the government controlling everything.
"The capitalist system relies on private ownership to drive economic growth."
Usage: Use this adjective primarily in political or economic contexts rather than casual conversation. Avoid applying it loosely to describe any successful businessperson without reference to the broader system of ownership.
The word capitalist entered English from the French term capitaliste, which combines "capital" with a suffix meaning one who practices or deals in it. Its roots trace back to an ancient Indo-European root related to heads and tops, though this original sense is no longer reflected in the modern definition of someone involved in private ownership of industry.