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proletarian

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /prəˈlɛtəriən/

KK: /proʊˈlɛtɛriən/

adjective
Definition

Relating to the working class, especially those who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor to survive.


Example

The proletarian movement aimed to improve the rights and conditions of workers.


Comparatives & Superlatives

Comparative: more proletarian

Superlative: most proletarian


Conversation
Sloth A
I just read an article about proletarian movements in history.
Sloth B
That sounds interesting! What did it say?
Sloth A
It discussed how the proletarian class fought for their rights.
Sloth B
I love learning about that kind of social change.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
working-class
laboring
common
Antonyms
elite
aristocratic
wealthy
noun
Definition

A person who belongs to the working class, especially one who does not own the means of production and relies on selling their labor for wages.


Example

The proletarian class played a significant role in the labor movement.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you read that book about the proletarian struggles in history?
Sloth B
Not yet, but it sounds interesting!
Sloth A
It really highlights the life of a proletarian during tough times.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Proletarian → It is formed from "proletarius" (from Latin, meaning a member of the lowest class of citizens) and the suffix "-an" (meaning belonging to or relating to). The word "proletarian" refers to someone belonging to the working class, particularly in a socio-economic context.

Memory Tip

Think of a person who belongs to the lowest class of citizens ('proletarius') — that's why a proletarian is someone from the working class.

Visually Confused Words
nonproletarian
rotarian
proprietarian
planetarian
retiarian
protargin
proparian
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Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
worker
laborer
toiler
Antonyms
bourgeois
capitalist
elite