Mercantilism

C1 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈmɜrkəntəˌlɪzəm/

Definitions of mercantilism

noun an economic theory and practice that promotes governmental regulation of a nation's economy for the purpose of increasing state power and building wealth through exports

Example Sentences

A1 Mercantilism was an economic system used by European countries in the 16th to 18th centuries.

A2 The policy of mercantilism focused on increasing a nation's wealth through trade and the accumulation of precious metals.

B1 Mercantilism led to the establishment of colonies to provide raw materials and serve as markets for finished goods.

B2 The mercantilist policies of tariffs and subsidies were aimed at protecting domestic industries and promoting exports.

C1 Critics of mercantilism argue that it stifled economic growth and innovation by favoring state intervention over free market principles.

C2 The transition from mercantilism to laissez-faire capitalism marked a significant shift in economic thinking and policy.

Examples of mercantilism in a Sentence

formal Mercantilism was an economic theory that dominated European trade policies in the 16th to 18th centuries.

informal Back in the day, mercantilism was all about maximizing exports and accumulating wealth.

slang Some people think mercantilism is just a fancy word for old-school capitalism.

figurative In the world of business, some still cling to the outdated principles of mercantilism.

Grammatical Forms of mercantilism

plural

mercantilisms

comparative

more mercantilist

superlative

most mercantilist

present tense

mercantilism

future tense

will mercantilism

perfect tense

has mercantilism

continuous tense

is mercantilism

singular

mercantilism

positive degree

mercantilism

infinitive

to mercantilism

gerund

mercantilizing

participle

mercantilized

Origin and Evolution of mercantilism

First Known Use: 0016 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'mercantilism' originated from the Latin word 'mercantilis' which means 'of or relating to merchants'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in the 16th century to describe the economic policies of European nations that sought to increase their wealth and power by exporting more goods than they imported, the term 'mercantilism' has evolved to also encompass a broader economic theory emphasizing the importance of a positive balance of trade and accumulation of wealth through government intervention.