noun / adjective
proletarian
proh-luh-TAIR-ee-un/ˌprəʊləˈteriən/
A member of the working class, or relating to that class.
The novel follows a proletarian who struggles to support her family.
Etymology
Latin proletarius named a propertyless citizen, traditionally understood as serving the state by having children. With the relational suffix, the adjective shifted from belonging to the poorest class to relating to wage-earning workers.
In context
the proletarian class if a humble person does not belong to the category of workmen employed with decent wages in the new factories
More examples
- Her proletarian background shapes her views on wealth and power.
- The museum displays proletarian art depicting life in factories.
- The essay contrasts wealthy owners with proletarians who earn wages.
Forms
proletarian · proletarians
proletariat noun — The working class viewed as a group.
Similar words
- worker
- Worker emphasizes employment, without necessarily identifying a social class.
- laborer
- Laborer usually means someone who does physical work.