Communist: meaning, definitions and examples

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communist

 

[ ˈkɒmjʊnɪst ]

Noun / Adjective
Context #1 | Noun

political ideology

A person who supports or believes in the principles of communism, a political theory advocating class war and leading to a society in which all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs.

Synonyms

Marxist, red, socialist.

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Word Description / Examples
communist

Used when referring to someone who adheres to or believes in communism, especially in a historical or political context.

  • She was accused of being a communist during the Cold War.
  • The communist government implemented new policies last year.
Marxist

Refers to someone who follows the teachings and theories of Karl Marx, especially in a theoretical or academic context.

  • The professor is known for his Marxist interpretations of economics.
  • She wrote a Marxist analysis of the novel.
socialist

Used when referring to someone who supports socialism, especially in a context that focuses on social and economic equality.

  • The new policy has gained support from local socialists.
  • She identifies as a socialist and advocates for public healthcare.
red

Often used as a derogatory term for someone perceived as a communist or socialist; has a negative connotation.

  • During the 1950s, people were often called 'reds' if they were suspected of communist sympathies.
  • He was labeled a 'red' because of his political views.

Examples of usage

  • Many people view Karl Marx as the father of communism.
  • Communists believe in the abolishment of private property.
Context #2 | Noun

member of a communist party

A member of a political party that supports the principles of communism and seeks to establish a communist society.

Synonyms

Bolshevik, comrade, revolutionary.

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Word Description / Examples
communist

This term is used to describe someone who adheres to the principles of communism, a political and economic ideology advocating for common ownership of resources and the absence of social classes.

  • She identifies as a communist and supports the redistribution of wealth.
  • The government accused the group of having communist sympathies.
comrade

Commonly used to address or refer to a fellow member of a political organization, particularly within communist or socialist groups. It emphasizes solidarity and camaraderie.

  • Comrade, we must work together to achieve our goals.
  • The speaker addressed the crowd, calling them comrades in the struggle for equality.
revolutionary

This term describes someone who advocates or actively participates in a significant change, often in a political or social context. It can have a positive or negative connotation depending on the perspective.

  • She was known as a revolutionary who fought for civil rights.
  • The government's actions sparked a revolutionary movement among the people.
Bolshevik

This word is specifically used to refer to members of the faction of the Russian Social Democratic Party led by Lenin that took power in the October Revolution of 1917. It often carries a historical context.

  • The Bolsheviks played a crucial role in the Russian Revolution.
  • He studied the rise and fall of the Bolsheviks in his history class.

Examples of usage

  • He has been a communist for over 20 years.
  • The communists organized a protest against the government.
Context #3 | Adjective

related to communism

Relating to or supporting the principles of communism.

Synonyms

Marxist, leftist, socialist.

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Word Description / Examples
communist

Discussing political ideologies that advocate for a classless society where the means of production are owned and controlled by the community as a whole.

  • She studied communist theories in her political science class
Marxist

Describing someone who follows the ideas and theories of Karl Marx, particularly his critique of capitalism and his advocacy for a revolutionary proletariat. Often used in academic or theoretical discussions.

  • The professor's Marxist interpretation of history provides a unique perspective on the industrial revolution
socialist

Describing political and economic theories that advocate for public ownership or regulation of the means of production and distribution. Not as extreme as 'communist' and more mainstream in contemporary politics.

  • Many European countries have adopted socialist policies to ensure a more equitable distribution of wealth
leftist

Referring to someone with political beliefs that lean towards the left-wing, often advocating for social equality and government intervention in the economy. Can be used more broadly than 'communist' or 'Marxist'.

  • The politician's leftist views are apparent in his policies on healthcare and education

Examples of usage

  • The country had a communist regime for many years.
  • She was known for her communist beliefs.

Translations

Translations of the word "communist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 comunista

🇮🇳 साम्यवादी

🇩🇪 Kommunist

🇮🇩 komunis

🇺🇦 комуніст

🇵🇱 komunista

🇯🇵 共産主義者 (きょうさんしゅぎしゃ)

🇫🇷 communiste

🇪🇸 comunista

🇹🇷 komünist

🇰🇷 공산주의자 (공산주의자)

🇸🇦 شيوعي

🇨🇿 komunista

🇸🇰 komunista

🇨🇳 共产主义者 (gòngchǎn zhǔyì zhě)

🇸🇮 komunist

🇮🇸 kommúnisti

🇰🇿 коммунист

🇬🇪 კომუნისტი

🇦🇿 kommunist

🇲🇽 comunista

Etymology

The term 'communist' originated from the French word 'communiste', which in turn came from the Latin word 'communis' meaning 'common' or 'universal'. The concept of communism as a political ideology developed in the 19th century, particularly with the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It has played a significant role in shaping world history, influencing revolutions and political movements.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,969 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.