Etymologically
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socialist

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 08:00. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˈsəʊʃəlɪst/ (UK); /ˈsoʊ.ʃə.lɪst/ (US)[1]

Etymology

It is formed from social and -ist,[2][3] or from French socialiste,[4][3] at first in reference to the teachings of Saint-Simon, the founder of French socialism.[4] In the 18th century Latin socialista had been used, in a different sense, of the followers of the Dutch jurist Grotius.[4]

Earliest recorded meaning

One who advocates socialism: 1827.[4][5][2]

Semantic evolution

Etymonline notes that the word came into its modern sense in French about 1835.[4] The adjective, of persons, is from 1839 and of ideas from 1848,[5] and a member of a Socialist party from 1871.[5] Socialist realism, the official artistic theory of the Soviet Union, is from 1934.[4]

Timeline

  • 1827 – an advocate of socialism.[4][5]
  • 1839 – the adjective.[5]
  • 1871 – a member of a Socialist party.[5]
  • 1934 – socialist realism.[4]

Modern meaning

Noun

  1. A person who supports socialism, or a member of a socialist party.

Adjective

  1. Of, relating to or supporting socialism.

Word family

  • socialistic
  • socialistically
  • nonsocialist
  • semisocialist
  • antisocialist
  • presocialist
  • socialist party
  • socialist realism

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  3. ^ a b Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles (2002), 5th ed., ed. William R. Trumble and Angus Stevenson, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  5. ^ a b c d e f Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press