Capitalism
Freedom through markets or organized extraction โ still being decided.
How We Say It
kapยทiยทtlยทizยทษm
Where It Comes From
From Latin caput โ head, chief, principal sum of money. Capital entered English in the 17th century meaning wealth used to produce more wealth. Capitalism as a system-word emerged in the mid-19th century, first used critically by socialist writers.
How It's Been Used
Almost never defined before being invoked. Defenders use it to mean free markets and individual liberty; critics use it to mean exploitation and concentrated ownership. Both are describing real features of the same system.