What does communism mean?
Communism is a political and economic doctrine holding that property and the means of production — land, factories, resources — should be held in common rather than privately owned, with goods distributed according to need. Rooted in the writings of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, it envisions an eventual classless society achieved after the working class displaces capitalist systems. In practice during the twentieth century, states such as the Soviet Union and China adopted one-party systems under communist parties that controlled both government and economy. The word functions as a noun and appears frequently in historical and journalistic contexts, from phrases like 'the fall of communism' to debates over ideology. Its connotations vary sharply: supporters associate it with equality and collective welfare, critics with authoritarian control. Related words include communist (adjective/noun) and cognates such as communal, community, and commune, all tracing back to the Latin communis, meaning 'common'.
A political and economic ideology advocating collective or common ownership of the means of production, aiming at a classless society.
"Marx argued that history moved inevitably toward communism."
Often capitalized when referring to the specific movement or doctrine associated with Marxism–Leninism.
A system of government and economic organization based on this ideology, typically characterized by single-party rule and state control of industry.
"Eastern Europe underwent profound change following the collapse of communism there in the early 1990s."
Rarely pluralized; used only when distinguishing different variants or interpretations of communist ideology.
"Scholars distinguish between several competing communisms across twentieth-century Asia and Europe."
The word 'communism' comes from Latin communis, 'common' — the same root as 'community', making it literally the idea of holding things in common.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of communism
Communism derives from the French communisme, formed on commun ('common'), which traces back through Old French to the Latin communis, meaning 'shared' or 'belonging to all'. The term entered English usage in the early-to-mid nineteenth century, gaining prominence after Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published the Communist Manifesto in 1848. It shares its Latin root with related English words including commune, communal, community, and communion, all conveying ideas of shared possession or fellowship.
Related word forms
How communism is actually used
The term is largely formal or neutral in academic and journalistic writing but carries strong emotional connotations depending on political context — it may be used approvingly by adherents or pejoratively by critics. Capitalized 'Communism' often refers to the historical movement or doctrine; lowercase to the general principle.
Easily confused with communism
Socialism generally allows for a mixed economy and democratic institutions, whereas communism in its classical form seeks abolition of private property and a classless, stateless society.
Community refers to a group of people sharing a place or interest, while communism is a specific political-economic doctrine.