Communisms

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A socio-political and economic ideology advocating for the collective ownership of property and the means of production
  2. A system emphasizing the absence of social classes and the redistribution of wealth to ensure equality among citizens
  3. A movement aimed at establishing a classless society through the elimination of private ownership and the establishment of communal living

Etymology: The noun in question traces back to the core political and economic ideology known as communism, which emerged as a distinct concept in the 19th century. The term "communism" itself was coined during this period, heavily influenced by the writings of social theorists like Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Their groundbreaking work, particularly the "Communist Manifesto" published in 1848, popularized the idea of a classless society where property and the means of production are commonly owned. The root of the word lies in the Latin "communis," meaning "common" or "shared by all." This Latin term made its way into French as "communisme," which English borrowed in the mid-19th century. From there, the suffix "-ism" was added to form a noun indicating a system, doctrine, or ideology. The plural form simply extends this to refer to multiple varieties, interpretations, or instances of such a system. Over time, the word came to encompass not just the original Marxist doctrine but also a range of related political movements and theories advocating communal ownership and the abolition of private property. The plural form might be used when discussing different national or historical implementations of communist ideology, reflecting the diversity and sometimes conflicting interpretations within the broader framework. Thus, while the term is relatively modern, its components reach deep into Latin roots, and its usage mirrors the complex and often contentious history of political thought over the last two centuries.

Synonyms: communist ideologies, Marxism, socialism, collectivism, leftism

Antonyms: capitalism, individualism, liberalism, freedom, privatism