Socialist

Definition

Socialist generally refers to an individual, ideology, or policy advocating for the collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods and services. The term is closely associated with reducing economic and social inequality by promoting communal or state control over various sectors of the economy.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsoʊʃəlɪst/
• Respelling: SOH-shuh-list (with "SOH" as in "so," "shuh" as a schwa sound like the 'a' in "sofa," and "list" as in "list")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsəʊʃəlɪst/
• Respelling: SOH-shuh-list (similar to American English, with "SOH" as in "so," "shuh" like the 'a' in "sofa," and "list" as in "list")

In both dialects, "socialist" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "SOH." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, clearly indicating the word's phonetic structure and emphasis.

Etymology

The word "socialist" has its roots in the early 19th-century social and political movements that aimed to address the growing inequalities brought about by industrialization. It's derived from the Latin word sociālis, meaning "of companionship" or "allied," and the suffix -ist, indicating a person practicing or adhering to a particular ideology.

Derivatives

• Socialism
• Socialistic
• Socialistical
• Socialistically
• Anti-socialist

Synonyms

• Leftist
• Collectivist
• Red (informal)

Antonyms

• Capitalist
• Conservative
• Libertarian

Usage

The term "socialist" is used both as a noun to describe individuals who adhere to socialist ideologies or as an adjective to describe policies, ideas, or entities that align with socialist principles. It often carries different connotations depending on the political and economic context in which it is used.

Related Terms

• Marxism
• Communism
• Social democracy
• Collectivism
• State socialism

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Individual: An individual who advocates for or practices socialism.
• Example: The socialist campaigned for universal healthcare and wealth redistribution.

• Member: A member of a political party or group promoting socialist ideas or policies.
• Example: She is a socialist who belongs to a local chapter advocating for workers' rights.

Adjective

• Ideological: Pertaining to, characteristic of, or in accordance with socialist principles.
• Example: The country adopted socialist policies to curb economic disparities.

• Political: Relating to or representing socialism or socialist parties.
• Example: The socialist candidate secured a seat in the election.