Bourgeois vs Bourgeoisie
What’s the difference between them?
Bourgeois
Meaning:
adjective; of or relating to the middle class, typically with reference to its perceived materialistic values or conventional attitudes.
Examples:
1. Many bourgeois philosophers are skeptical of Marx's theories.
2. She attended a bourgeois private school in her youth.
3. His bourgeois upbringing left him unprepared for the realities of the working world.
Bourgeoisie
Meaning:
noun that refers to the middle class or the capitalist class in a capitalist society; it is also sometimes used to refer to the wealthy class more generally.
Examples:
1. During the Industrial Revolution, the bourgeoisie emerged as a powerful class that controlled much of the means of production.
2. The rise of the bourgeoisie in the 19th century had a significant impact on the economic and social structures of many Western societies.
3. Some critics argue that the influence of the bourgeoisie in politics and economics can lead to income inequality in society.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Bourgeois
1. Upper class
2. Well-to-do
3. Moneyed
4. Privileged
5. Aristocratic
1. proletarian
2. plebeian
3. lowly
4. of humble means
5. commoner
Bourgeoisie
1. Upper class
2. Elite
3. High society
4. Capitalists
5. Moneyed class
1. Proletariat
2. Working class
3. Humble
4. Unrefined
5. Underprivileged
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Bourgeois", "Bourgeoisie".
1. Remember that 'bourgeois' is an adjective, so it describes something or someone.
2. Recall that 'bourgeoisie' is a noun, so it is a person or a group of people.
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Frequently asked questions
In what situations should the first word be used?
The adjective 'bourgeois' is used to describe qualities of the middle class, such as materialism, conventional attitudes, and a focus on accumulating wealth. It can also refer to characteristics of the upper class lifestyle, such as a focus on luxury goods and social status.
When is the appropriate context for using the second word?
The noun 'bourgeoisie' is used to refer to the middle class or capitalist class in a capitalist society. It is also sometimes used to refer to the wealthy class more generally.
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
Yes, both the adjective 'bourgeois' and the noun 'bourgeoisie' are pronounced the same.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
One common mistake is to mistakenly use the noun 'bourgeoisie' to refer to an individual member of the middle class or capitalist class, rather than to the entire class itself. Additionally, people may mistakenly use 'bourgeois' to refer to the wealthy class in general, instead of to the middle class or capitalist class specifically.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. The new shopping mall is often criticized for its _____ tastes and preferences.
2. The novel portrays the _____ as being obsessed with status and wealth.
3. Many artists in the 20th century rebelled against the _____ values of society.
4. The revolution aimed to overthrow the existing power structures and diminish the influence of the _____.
5. Her fashion sense is very _____, preferring branded and luxury items over more practical choices.
6. As the economy grew, the _____ gained more political and social influence in the city.
1. Bourgeois
Explanation: The sentence talks about tastes and preferences, which relate more to attitudes and values, making the adjective Bourgeois a fitting choice.
2. Bourgeoisie
Explanation: The novel is portrayed as characterizing a class of people, not just their values. Therefore, Bourgeoisie, the noun referring to the middle or capitalist class, is appropriate here.
3. Bourgeois
Explanation: Here, the reference is to the values of society, making the adjective Bourgeois (indicating values or attitudes) the correct fit.
4. Bourgeoisie
Explanation: This sentence refers to a group of people with power and influence, which means the noun Bourgeoisie is more fitting than the adjective.
5. Bourgeois
Explanation: The sentence speaks about a fashion sense that leans towards materialistic or conventional choices, making Bourgeois (the adjective form) the right choice.
6. Bourgeoisie
Explanation: The context indicates a reference to a class of people gaining power and influence. Hence, Bourgeoisie is the suitable term.
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List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.