capitalistic
UK[ˌkæpɪtəˈlɪstɪk]US[ˌkæpɪtəˈlɪstɪk]
adj
Relating to or supporting an economic and political system in which a country's trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit, rather than by the state.
Morpheme Breakdown
capital
ist
ic
capital
wealth
ist
adherent
ic
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'capitalistic' is built upon the core concept of 'capital,' which traces its lineage to the Latin caput, meaning "head." In ancient Roman financial contexts, caput evolved to signify the principal sum of a loan—the "head" or source from which interest flowed. The suffix '-ist,' indicating a practitioner or believer, was attached to form 'capitalist,' one who owns or invests capital. Finally, the adjectival suffix '-ic' was added, creating a term that describes the principles, practices, or characteristics associated with a system centered on private capital ownership and investment for profit. Thus, the term encapsulates the economic logic where accumulated wealth ('capital') is the primary driver of production and distribution.
Analysis
Structure: capital (wealth) + ist (adherent) + ic (adjective suffix)
- capital: From Latin capitalis ("of the head, principal"), from caput ("head"). In this word, it carries the sense of "principal sum" or "wealth."
- ist: A suffix of Greek origin (via Latin -ista), denoting an adherent to a specific practice or system.
- ic: A suffix from Latin -icus and Greek -ikos, used to form adjectives meaning "of, pertaining to, or characteristic of."
Examples
The country's capitalistic economy encourages innovation and competition.
His views became increasingly capitalistic after starting his own business.
The film critiques the capitalistic pursuit of profit above all else.