bourgeoisie

bourgeoisie, middle class

noun boor-zhwah-ZEE Rare

Origin: Old French 'bourgeois' (town-dweller)

Usage Note

Bourgeoisie originated in France and refers to the propertied middle class, carrying both a sociological meaning and a Marxist-influenced pejorative connotation of complacency and materialism. The adjective bourgeois/bourgeoise can mean 'middle-class', 'conventional', or 'comfort-driven'. The word passed unchanged into English.

Examples

"La bourgeoisie parisienne apprécie ce quartier calme."

Natural Translation

The Parisian bourgeoisie appreciates this quiet neighbourhood.

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