proletarian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Academic, Political
Quick answer
What does “proletarian” mean?
A member of the proletariat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of the proletariat; a working-class person, especially one who does manual labour and does not own capital or property.
Relating to or characteristic of the working class, particularly in its lack of ownership of the means of production. In Marxist theory, one whose only economic value is their labour power.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in definition or usage. The term is used identically in political and academic discourse in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally strong association with Marxist/socialist ideology in both regions. In general political discourse, it may be perceived as a dated or specifically theoretical term.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language but stable in academic/political contexts. Slightly more frequent in British English due to historical political discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “proletarian” in a Sentence
adjective + noun (proletarian revolution)noun + of + noun (vanguard of the proletarian)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “proletarian” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The party sought to proletarianise the peasantry through collectivisation.
American English
- The movement aimed to proletarianize the agricultural workers.
adverb
British English
- The manifesto was written proletarianly, for the workers themselves.
American English
- He argued proletarianly for the rights of the labourers.
adjective
British English
- He wrote from a staunchly proletarian perspective.
American English
- The film explores proletarian life in the industrial Midwest.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Would only appear in a critique of business structures from a Marxist perspective.
Academic
Common in sociology, political science, history, and Marxist theory. Used as a precise technical term.
Everyday
Very rare. If used, it is likely in a political discussion or with ironic/sarcastic intent.
Technical
Core term in Marxist theory and related political philosophies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “proletarian”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “proletarian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “proletarian”
- Using it as a general synonym for 'poor' (it's a class category, not just an economic state).
- Pronouncing it /prɒlˈɛtəriən/ (misplacing the primary stress).
- Using it in a non-political context where 'working-class' would be more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not inherently. It is a neutral, descriptive term in political theory. However, its informal shortening 'prole' is often derogatory.
'Working-class' is a broader, more general sociological term. 'Proletarian' is more specific to Marxist theory, emphasizing the relationship to the means of production (i.e., not owning them).
Yes, very commonly. E.g., 'proletarian revolution', 'proletarian literature'.
Yes, but primarily in academic, historical, and political writing. It is rare in casual, everyday conversation.
A member of the proletariat.
Proletarian is usually formal, academic, political in register.
Proletarian: in British English it is pronounced /ˌprəʊ.lɪˈteə.ri.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌproʊ.ləˈter.i.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “proletarian internationalism”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PROfessional? No - PROLEtarian. A prole works for a living, doesn't own the company.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY POLITIC (the proletariat as the 'hands' or 'muscle' of society).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'proletarian' MOST appropriately used?