Socialist: meaning, definitions and examples

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socialist

[ˈsoʊʃəlɪst ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

political ideology

A person who advocates or supports socialism, a political and economic theory advocating for collective or government ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods.

Synonyms

communist, egalitarian, left-winger, progressive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
socialist	Duplicated from the first entry.
communist	This word refers to someone who supports or believes in communism, a political and economic ideology that aims for a classless society where all property is owned communally. It can have negative connotations due to historical associations with totalitarian regimes. During the Cold War, many in the West viewed communists with suspicion She wrote an article comparing the policies of communist and capitalist governments
left-winger	This term is often used in political contexts to describe someone who holds progressive or liberal views and supports changes toward more equality and social welfare. It is less specific than 'socialist' or 'communist' and can refer to a range of left-leaning beliefs. Left-wingers are promoting policies to reduce income inequality She is a left-winger advocating for more environmental regulations
progressive	This word describes someone who advocates for social reform and progressive changes, especially in areas like civil rights, healthcare, and education. It is often used in contemporary political discussions. Progressives are pushing for comprehensive healthcare reform The progressive candidate focused on increasing funding for public education
egalitarian	This term is used to describe someone who believes in equal rights and opportunities for all people. It is often used in discussions about social justice, gender equality, and other civil rights issues. The organization promotes an egalitarian society where everyone has the same opportunities He spoke about his egalitarian views at the conference, emphasizing the need for fair treatment of all individuals

Examples of usage

Many people believe that a socialist economy promotes equality among citizens.
Socialists often argue for policies that prioritize the needs of the working class.
The socialist party aims to create a society where wealth is distributed more equally.
Socialists criticize capitalism for its focus on profit rather than social welfare.
In some countries, socialist principles are reflected in the government's policies.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

describing a system or policy

Relating to or characterized by socialism, the system or practice of government ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods.

Synonyms

communist, egalitarian, left-wing, progressive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
socialist	Appropriate when discussing political or economic systems that advocate for collective ownership and democratic control of resources and production. She identifies as a socialist and supports policies that promote public ownership of major industries. The new party manifesto leaned towards socialist ideals with a focus on social equality and community welfare.
communist	Used to describe a specific ideological and political framework where there is a classless society, often associated with the teachings of Karl Marx and the political systems of countries like the former Soviet Union. The country's government claims to follow a communist model, prioritizing state control over all aspects of the economy. Critics of the reform argued it was a move towards communist principles, reducing individual economic freedoms.
left-wing	A general term used in political contexts to describe groups, policies, or individuals that support social equality, welfare programs, and progressive reforms. He is a left-wing politician known for advocating for stronger social safety nets and labor rights. The debate featured strong left-wing arguments in favor of increasing the minimum wage.
progressive	Refers to favoring or advocating for reforms or innovative political changes aimed at improving society, often through embracing new ideas and social advancements. The candidate's progressive stance on climate change earned her the support of many young voters. They formed a progressive coalition to push for comprehensive healthcare reform.
egalitarian	Best chosen when referring to a belief in human equality, especially in terms of social, political, and economic rights and opportunities. The organization promotes an egalitarian philosophy, ensuring everyone has the same opportunities regardless of background. Her egalitarian views influenced her work on education reform, aiming to provide equal access to quality schooling for all children.

Examples of usage

The country implemented socialist policies to address income inequality.
Socialist ideologies often prioritize social welfare over individual profit.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'socialist' emerged in the early 19th century as a response to the inequalities brought about by the Industrial Revolution.
Early socialists were influenced by the writings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, who critiqued capitalism and promoted a new system based on collective ownership.
The first organized socialist party, the Socialist Party of Great Britain, was established in 1904, reflecting growing political movements for social reform.

Political Spectrum

Socialism is often contrasted with capitalism, as it emphasizes collective ownership rather than private control over resources.
Different types of socialism exist, ranging from democratic socialism, which combines political democracy with social ownership, to more authoritarian forms that often lead to state control.
The spread of socialist ideas influenced many major historical events, including the Russian Revolution of 1917, where the Bolshevik party aimed to create a socialist state.

Economic Theory

Socialist economies often promote wealth redistribution through social welfare programs like healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits.
The goal of socialism is to reduce economic inequality and ensure that all citizens have access to basic services, regardless of their income.
Some modern economies, like those in Scandinavian countries, implement a blend of capitalism and socialism, often referred to as 'social democracy'.

Cultural Impact

Art and literature have reflected socialist ideals, with movements like the 'Socialist Realism' in the Soviet Union celebrating the working class and their struggles.
Famous figures, such as George Orwell and Upton Sinclair, critiqued capitalism in their works while promoting socialist ideas for a more equitable society.
The themes of solidarity and community in socialist philosophy have permeated popular culture, influencing music, films, and even social movements worldwide.

Contemporary Perspectives

In recent years, discussions about socialism have gained traction in various countries, particularly among younger generations seeking alternatives to traditional capitalism.
Prominent figures in politics, like Bernie Sanders in the US, have brought socialist ideas to mainstream discussions, emphasizing healthcare and education reforms.
Social media has played a role in spreading socialist ideas by connecting like-minded individuals and organizations advocating for social change.

Translations

Translations of the word "socialist" in other languages:

🇵🇹 socialista

🇮🇳 समाजवादी (samajvaadi)

🇩🇪 sozialistisch

🇮🇩 sosialis

🇺🇦 соціаліст

🇵🇱 socjalista

🇯🇵 社会主義者 (shakaishugisha)

🇫🇷 socialiste

🇪🇸 socialista

🇹🇷 sosyalist

🇰🇷 사회주의자 (sahoejuuija)

🇸🇦 اشتراكي (ishtiraaki)

🇨🇿 socialista

🇸🇰 socialista

🇨🇳 社会主义者 (shèhuì zhǔyì zhě)

🇸🇮 socialist

🇮🇸 sósíalisti

🇰🇿 социалист

🇬🇪 სოციალისტი (socialisti)

🇦🇿 sosialist

🇲🇽 socialista

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,172 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5169 triumph
5170 prediction
5171 allies
5172 socialist
5173 sensation
5174 invariably
5175 keen
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