bourgeoisie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Political
Quick answer
What does “bourgeoisie” mean?
The social class of people who own capital and the means of production, distinguished from the working class (proletariat).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The social class of people who own capital and the means of production, distinguished from the working class (proletariat).
More broadly, the middle class, especially when perceived as conventional, conservative, or materialistic in outlook and values. In non-Marxist contexts, often refers to the affluent, property-owning class.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. The term is used in both varieties, primarily in academic, historical, and political commentary.
Connotations
In both varieties, carries strong historical/political weight. Can be used critically or ironically.
Frequency
Low frequency in general conversation, higher in academic/political discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “bourgeoisie” in a Sentence
the bourgeoisie + verb (e.g., the bourgeoisie controls, owns, opposes)adjective + bourgeoisie (e.g., the powerful bourgeoisie)preposition + bourgeoisie (e.g., conflict with the bourgeoisie, rise of the bourgeoisie)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in analyses of market demographics or economic history.
Academic
Common in sociology, political science, history, and literary criticism to describe social structures and class conflict.
Everyday
Very rare. If used, often ironic or critical (e.g., 'Oh, that's so bourgeoisie').
Technical
Core technical term in Marxist theory and historical analysis of class structures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bourgeoisie”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bourgeoisie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bourgeoisie”
- Mispronunciation: /bɔːrˈɡwɑː/ is for 'bourgeois' (adj.); the noun is /ˌbʊəʒ.wɑːˈziː/.
- Misspelling: 'bourgeosie', 'bourgoisie'.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a bourgeoisie'); it's usually a collective noun (the bourgeoisie).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral in academic/historical contexts. In everyday use, it is often negative or mocking, implying materialism and conventionality.
'Bourgeois' is primarily an adjective (e.g., bourgeois values) and can be a countable noun for one person (a bourgeois). 'Bourgeoisie' is a collective noun for the social class as a whole.
Historically and in Marxist theory, it is more specific (capital-owning class). In modern, loose usage, the terms are sometimes conflated, but 'bourgeoisie' retains its stronger economic/political connotations.
It is generally inappropriate for standard business writing. Use more neutral terms like 'affluent consumers', 'the professional class', or 'middle-to-upper-income demographics' instead.
The social class of people who own capital and the means of production, distinguished from the working class (proletariat).
Bourgeoisie is usually formal, academic, political in register.
Bourgeoisie: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbʊəʒ.wɑːˈziː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbʊr.ʒwɑːˈziː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BOURGEOISIE' as the 'BOURGeois SIEge' – a class that historically secured (besieged) economic and political power.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLASS IS A LAYER/STRATUM (upper/middle stratum), CLASS IS A BATTLEFIELD (bourgeoisie vs. proletariat).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the best definition of 'petty bourgeoisie'?