Definition

1. Noun:
   • An expert in the science of economics: An economist is a specialist who studies, analyzes, and interprets the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They apply economic theories and models to understand and address issues in markets, trade, finance, and public policy.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The government consulted a leading economist before changing the tax policy.
  • She is a respected economist who specializes in labor markets.
  • Many economists predicted a slowdown in economic growth.

Advanced Usage

• "to be an armchair economist": to discuss or criticize economic policy without professional expertise or responsibility.
  • He's just an armchair economist, offering opinions without any real data.

Variants and Related Words

• Economic (adj): relating to economics or the economy.
  • The country faces significant economic challenges.
• Economics (n): the social science that studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.
  • She majored in economics at university.
• Economize (v): to spend less money; to be frugal.
  • Families must economize during a recession.

Synonyms

• Economic analyst: A professional who examines economic data and trends.
• Economic theorist: A person who develops or studies abstract principles of economics.

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Chief economist: The head economist of an organization, such as a bank or government agency.
  • The bank's chief economist will deliver the quarterly report.
• Behavioral economist: An economist who studies the effects of psychological, social, and emotional factors on economic decisions.
  • The behavioral economist explained why people often make irrational financial choices.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The core meaning of economist is strictly related to the academic and professional field of economics. While older or specialized dictionaries may list secondary meanings like "a frugal person" or "a manager of finances," these uses are now rare in modern, general English. The primary and almost exclusive contemporary use refers to an expert in the science of economics.

Noun

1. an expert in the science of economics