capitalist
n. · adj.-
1 an investor (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea person who uses their own money to start or invest in businesses to make more money.
an individual who invests capital in business ventures with the expectation of generating a profit.
ExampleThe young capitalist invested all his savings into a new tech startup.
ExampleVenture capitalists often provide the necessary funding for early-stage companies in exchange for equity and a seat on the board of directors.
-
2 a supporter of the system (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatesomeone who believes that capitalism is the best way to run a country's economy.
a proponent or supporter of the principles of capitalism as an economic and social system.
ExampleAs a dedicated capitalist, she argued that competition leads to better products for everyone.
ExampleThe debate featured a prominent capitalist who defended the role of private property in driving national innovation.
- free marketeer
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
-
3 relating to capitalism (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatedescribing something that follows the rules or ideas of capitalism.
pertaining to, characteristic of, or based on the principles of capitalism.
ExampleMany countries moved toward a capitalist system after the end of the Cold War.
ExampleThe shift toward capitalist reforms led to a rapid increase in foreign investment and industrial growth within the region.
- private enterprise
- free market
From French capitaliste; equivalent to capital + -ist. Derived from Proto-Indo-European káput (“head”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European kap-.