# capitalist

/ˈkæpətəɫɪst/ (US) · /kˈæpɪtəlˌɪst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/capitalist
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. an investor

noun · CEFR B2

a person who uses their own money to start or invest in businesses to make more money.

For teachers: an individual who invests capital in business ventures with the expectation of generating a profit.

- The young capitalist invested all his savings into a new tech startup.
- Venture 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

noun · CEFR B2

someone who believes that capitalism is the best way to run a country's economy.

For teachers: a proponent or supporter of the principles of capitalism as an economic and social system.

- As a dedicated capitalist, she argued that competition leads to better products for everyone.
- The debate featured a prominent capitalist who defended the role of private property in driving national innovation.

### 3. relating to capitalism

adjective · CEFR B2

describing something that follows the rules or ideas of capitalism.

For teachers: pertaining to, characteristic of, or based on the principles of capitalism.

- Many countries moved toward a capitalist system after the end of the Cold War.
- The shift toward capitalist reforms led to a rapid increase in foreign investment and industrial growth within the region.

## Examples

- The young capitalist invested all his savings into a new tech startup.
- As a successful capitalist, she manages a diverse portfolio of properties and international stocks to grow her wealth.
- While some critics argue that the capitalist prioritizes profit over social welfare, others maintain that private investment is the primary engine of innovation and job creation in modern economies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.