capitalism

The word “capitalism” means an economic system in which businesses and resources are privately owned and run for profit, with prices largely set by supply and demand rather than the state. In plain terms, an economic system based on private ownership and profit, rather than state control.

“Capitalism” is pronounced KAPIHT-lihzm (/ˈkæp.ə.təlˌɪzm̩/ in IPA).

Here is “capitalism” used in a sentence: “Under capitalism, competition between companies is meant to drive down prices.”

“Capitalism” is a noun.

The word “capitalism” dates back to around 1850 and comes from French. From French capitalisme, built from "capital" plus "-ism." First used in English by novelist William Thackeray in the 1850s.

“Capitalism” is a fairly common word in modern English.

Under capitalism, businesses and resources are privately owned and run for profit, with prices set largely by supply and demand. Under socialism, the state or community owns or controls the main means of production and aims to share resources more equally rather than purely for private profit.

Capitalism relies on private ownership and profit, with prices driven by supply and demand. Communism calls for collective or state ownership of resources and the abolition of private property, with goods distributed according to need rather than market forces.

Capitalism is the wider economic system based on private ownership of businesses and resources for profit. A 'free market' refers more narrowly to prices being set by supply and demand with little state interference, which is a key feature of capitalism rather than the whole system.

Capitalism is primarily an economic system, defined by private ownership of businesses and resources run for profit. It is often linked with certain political arrangements, but the term itself describes how an economy is organized, not how a government is run.