mercantilism
/'mə:kəntailizm/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- An economic theory and practice: A historical economic system that dominated Western European economic thought and policy from the 16th to the 18th century. Its core principle was that a nation's wealth and power were best served by increasing exports and accumulating precious metals, especially gold and silver.
- Commercialism: A focus on or preoccupation with the financial aspects of an activity, often implying a prioritization of profit over other considerations.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Economic System):
- Mercantilism encouraged colonial expansion to secure raw materials and captive markets.
- The policies of mercantilism often involved high tariffs on imported goods to protect domestic industries.
- Noun (Commercial Focus):
- The mercantilism of the modern entertainment industry sometimes overshadows artistic value.
- He criticized the growing mercantilism in amateur sports.
Advanced Usage
- "Neomercantilism": A modern policy or practice where a country uses protectionist measures like currency manipulation and subsidies to run a high trade surplus, reminiscent of historical mercantilist policies.
- Some analysts accuse the country of practicing neomercantilism to boost its manufacturing sector.
Variants and Related Words
- Mercantile (adj): Relating to trade or commerce; or, characteristic of a merchant.
- The city was a major mercantile center.
- Mercantilist (n): An advocate of mercantilism.
- The minister was a staunch mercantilist.
- Mercantilist (adj): Relating to or characteristic of mercantilism.
- The country pursued mercantilist policies.
Synonyms
- Protectionism (specifically regarding trade policies).
- Commercialism (regarding the focus on profit).
- Economic nationalism.
Related Phrases
- Mercantile system: Another term for the economic doctrine of mercantilism.
- Under the mercantile system, colonies existed for the benefit of the mother country.
Noun
- transactions (sales and purchases) having the objective of supplying commodities (goods and services)
- an economic system (Europe in 18th century) to increase a nation's wealth by government regulation of all of the nation's commercial interests