bourgeoisie

noun

Pronunciation: /ˌbʊərʒwɑːˈziː/

Definition

The social class that owns the means of production and holds most of the wealth in a capitalist society.

Examples

• Marxist theory often focuses on the historical conflict between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie.

• The rise of the bourgeoisie during the Industrial Revolution fundamentally changed the structure of European society.

• Critics argued that the political reforms primarily benefited the interests of the urban bourgeoisie.

Synonyms of bourgeoisie

Words with a similar meaning to bourgeoisie:

• middle class
• capitalists
• the establishment
• the propertied class

Antonyms of bourgeoisie

Words with the opposite meaning to bourgeoisie:

• proletariat

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