capitalism etymology

Etymology:

"Capitalism" is derived from the Latin word "capitalis", meaning "relating to the head."

Meaning and Origin:

Capitalism is an economic system characterized by:

  • Private ownership of capital (means of production): Individuals and businesses own and control the tools, factories, and other resources used to produce goods and services.
  • Profit motive: Businesses seek to maximize profits by selling goods and services at prices higher than their production costs.
  • Market competition: Businesses compete with each other for customers and resources, leading to price fluctuations and innovation.

The term "capitalism" originated in the 16th century, but its modern usage began in the 18th century with the rise of classical economics. Adam Smith, in his seminal work "An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations" (1776), described capitalism as a system that promoted economic growth and innovation.

Key Features of Capitalism:

  • Free market economy: The government plays a limited role in economic decision-making, allowing market forces to determine prices, production, and distribution.
  • Entrepreneurship: Individuals and businesses are free to start businesses, take risks, and innovate.
  • Wage labor: Workers sell their labor to businesses in exchange for wages, creating a class divide between capitalists (owners of capital) and workers.
  • Profit and loss: Businesses can make profits or incur losses, depending on market conditions and their efficiency.
  • Property rights: Individuals and businesses have the right to own and protect their property, including intellectual property.

capitalism relate terms

  • capital

    Etymology Latin caput head Proto Indo European keput head Meaning Prim

  • capital

    Etymology Latin caput head Proto Indo European keput head Meaning Prim

  • capital

    Etymology Latin caput head Proto Indo European keput head Meaning Prim

  • capitalist

    Etymology The word capitalist derives from the Latin word capitalis which originally

  • capital

    Etymology Latin caput head Proto Indo European keput head Meaning Prim

  • capitalism

    Etymology Capitalism is derived from the Latin word capitalis meaning relating to

  • socialism

    Etymology Social from Latin socialis meaning sociable friendly ism a suffix

  • consumerism

    Etymology The word consumerism is derived from the Latin word consumere which means

  • communist

    Etymology The word communist derives from the Latin communis meaning common Mean

  • communism

    Etymology The word communism comes from the French word communisme which in turn de

  • economy

    Etymology Oikos Greek house or household Nomos Greek law or management

  • religion

    Etymology The word religion is derived from the Latin word religio which means rev

  • carcass

    Etymology The word carcass comes from the Old French word carcasse which is derived

  • soldier

    Etymology The word soldier comes from the Middle French word souldier which in tur

  • boast

    Etymology Old English boastan to brag threaten Proto West Germanic bōstijaną

  • canteen

    Etymology From Portuguese cantina from Italian cantina from Latin canthum rim hoop