Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Karl Marx (1818–1883): A German philosopher, economist, historian, sociologist, political theorist, journalist, and socialist revolutionary. He is best known as the founder of modern communism and the co-author, with Friedrich Engels, of The Communist Manifesto (1848). His major work, Das Kapital (1867), critiques political economy and forms the basis of Marxist theory.
   • A surname: A family name, most famously associated with Karl Marx, but also borne by others, notably the American comedy troupe, the Marx Brothers.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Karl Marx):
  • The writings of Marx have had a profound impact on global politics and economic thought.
  • Marx argued that history is a series of class struggles.
  • Many scholars study the theories developed by Marx.
• Proper noun (Surname):
  • Groucho Marx was known for his quick wit and distinctive mustache.
  • The films starring the Marx Brothers are considered classics of comedy.

Advanced Usage

• Marxism (n): The political and economic theories derived from the works of Karl Marx, emphasizing class struggle and leading to a society without classes.
  • The professor specializes in the history of Marxism in the 20th century.
• Marxist (adj/n): Relating to or a follower of the ideas of Karl Marx.
  • He analyzed the film from a Marxist perspective. (Adjective)
  • She is a Marxist. (Noun)

Variants and Related Words

• Marxian (adj): A more academic term synonymous with "Marxist," often used to describe analysis based on Marx's original theories.
  • A Marxian critique of capitalism.
• Marxism-Leninism (n): A political ideology that synthesizes orthodox Marxism and Leninism, which became the official state doctrine of the Soviet Union.

Synonyms

• (For Karl Marx): The Philosopher of Trier, The Founder of Scientific Socialism.
• (For the surname): N/A (Proper noun).

Related Phrases

• Marxist theory: The body of doctrine developed from Marx's writings.
• Marxist critique: An analysis, especially of literature, society, or economics, using the principles of Marxism.

Related Idioms

• A Marxist reading/analysis: An interpretation that focuses on class relations, socioeconomic systems, and ideologies as derived from Marxist theory.
  • The book offers a Marxist reading of the Victorian novel.

Noun

1. founder of modern communism; wrote the Communist Manifesto with Engels in 1848; wrote Das Kapital in 1867 (1818-1883)
2. United States comedian; one of four brothers who made motion pictures together (1890-1977)
3. United States comedian; one of four brothers who made motion pictures together (1891-1961)
4. United States comedian; one of four brothers who made motion pictures together (1893-1964)
5. United States comedian; one of four brothers who made motion pictures together (1901-1979)