communism
UK[ˈkɒm.jə.nɪ.zəm]US[ˈkɑː.mjə.nɪ.zəm]
n
A political theory or system in which all property and wealth is owned by the whole community or state, with each person contributing and receiving according to their ability and needs.
Morpheme Breakdown
commun
ism
commun
common
ism
doctrine
Etymology
The term "communism" is built upon the Latin root communis, meaning "common" or "shared by all." This root itself derives from the combination of com- (together) and munis (bound by duty, performing services), suggesting a state of shared obligations and resources. The suffix -ism was appended in the 19th century to systematize the concept into a named political and economic doctrine. Thus, the word's literal logic translates to "the doctrine of common/shared ownership," directly reflecting its core principle of abolishing private property in favor of collective, communal control of the means of production.
Analysis
Structure: commun (common) + ism (doctrine)
- commun: From Latin communis, meaning "common, public, shared by all or many." It functions as the core root conveying the concept of shared or collective ownership.
- ism: A suffix of Greek origin (via Latin -ismus), used to form nouns indicating a distinctive system, theory, or practice. It functions as a doctrinal or ideological marker.
Examples
The fall of the Berlin Wall symbolized a major turning point in the history of communism in Eastern Europe.
His writings laid the theoretical foundation for modern revolutionary communism.
The commune attempted to practice a small-scale form of communism, sharing all resources equally.