communist
C1Formal, political, historical, academic, journalistic; can be neutral or pejorative depending on context.
Definition
Meaning
A person who supports or believes in communism, a political ideology based on the theories of Karl Marx, advocating for a classless society where property and the means of production are owned communally.
Often used broadly and sometimes pejoratively to describe anyone with strong left-wing or socialist views. Can also function as an adjective to describe things relating to communism, its principles, or its adherents.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term carries heavy historical and ideological weight, strongly associated with the 20th century Cold War, specific states (USSR, China, Cuba), and revolutionary movements. Its use as a general insult for political opponents has diluted its precise meaning in some contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely similar, but the historical context differs. In the UK, it often references the trade union movement and domestic political parties like the Communist Party of Great Britain. In the US, it is more strongly tied to anti-American sentiment, Cold War rhetoric, and is used more frequently as a political slur.
Connotations
UK: Can be a neutral descriptor of political affiliation or a critical term. US: Overwhelmingly negative in mainstream discourse, associated with tyranny, repression, and enmity.
Frequency
Higher frequency in US political discourse, especially in conservative media, often as an accusatory term.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] a communist[describe/label/accuse] someone as a communist[join/support/renounce] the communistsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As red as a communist”
- “Better dead than red (American anti-communist slogan)”
- “Reds under the bed (expression for fear of communist infiltration).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in historical context (e.g., 'post-communist economies') or risk analysis ('communist government policies').
Academic
Neutral, precise descriptor in political science, history, and economics.
Everyday
Often used in political arguments, historical discussion, or as a hyperbolic insult.
Technical
Specific in political theory to denote adherents of Marxism-Leninism or related branches.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- My grandfather was a lifelong communist and union organiser.
- The communist stood as a candidate in the constituency.
American English
- He was accused of being a communist during the McCarthy era.
- The communists took control of the government after the revolution.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He is not a communist.
- The communist party won many votes in the election.
- She read a book about communist history.
- The collapse of the communist bloc in Eastern Europe changed global politics.
- His views were considered dangerously communist by his opponents.
- The manifesto outlined a vision for a truly communist society, free from class divisions.
- Critics argued that the policy was a thinly veiled attempt to introduce communist economic principles.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COMMUnist - believes in the COMMUnity owning everything.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNISM IS A RELIGION (devout communist, heretical views), COMMUNISM IS A DISEASE (spreading communism, communist contagion), COMMUNISM IS A MACHINE (the communist apparatus, party machinery).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'коммунальный' (municipal/utilities). 'Communist' is 'коммунист'. The adjective 'communist' is 'коммунистический' (e.g., communist party - коммунистическая партия).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'communist' as a synonym for 'socialist' without nuance. Misspelling as 'comunist'. Incorrect plural: 'communist' -> 'communists' (not 'communisties').
Practice
Quiz
In modern US political discourse, calling someone a 'communist' most often serves to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In academic, historical, or certain political contexts, it is a neutral descriptor. However, in common political debate, especially in the US, it is frequently used as a pejorative term.
In theory, communists seek a revolutionary overthrow of capitalism to establish a classless, stateless society, while socialists may seek to achieve similar goals through democratic reform. In common usage, the terms are often blurred, but 'communist' carries stronger historical associations with the USSR and Maoist China.
Yes. It commonly functions as an adjective (e.g., communist ideology, communist country, communist sympathiser).
The first syllable is stressed. UK: /ˈkɒm.jə.nɪst/. US: /ˈkɑː.mjə.nɪst/. The 'o' sound is the key difference.