proletariat
Translation
proletariat, working class
Examples
Marx wrote about the struggle of the proletariat.
Marx wrote about the struggle of the proletariat.
Grammar Patterns
((the proletariat)) the working class, especially in Marxist theory The theory focused on the rise of the proletariat.
Similar Words
Synonyms: working class, the masses; Antonyms: bourgeoisie, aristocracy
Etymology
From Latin 'proletarius', a man whose only contribution to the state was his offspring ('proles').
Memory Tips
Associate 'proletariat' with the 'proles' from Orwell's novel *1984*, representing the common working people.