How Do You Spell BOURGEOIS?

Pronunciation: [bˈʊ͡əʒwɑː] (IPA)

Bourgeois is a French loanword commonly used to describe a middle-class person. The spelling of the word can be confusing due to its silent letters. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /bʊrʒwɑː/. The "ou" digraph is pronounced like "oo", while the "g" and "s" letters are silent. The word's origin is from the Old French term "burgeis", meaning "town dweller". Therefore, understanding how to pronounce and spell bourgeois is essential to use it appropriately in writing and conversation.

BOURGEOIS Meaning and Definition

1. Bourgeois is an adjective that refers to the social class associated with the middle class, primarily characterized by its ownership of property, wealth, and material possessions. The term is used to describe a certain social status, behavior, and values associated with this middle class.

   In a broader sense, bourgeois signifies the prevailing attitudes, ideals, and norms of this middle-class population. These traits typically include values such as conformity, conventionalism, and a preference for material comfort and security. It is often used to describe individuals who prioritize their social status, professional advancement, and material possessions over more abstract or philosophical concerns.

   Historically, the term "bourgeois" has also been employed to critique certain aspects of the capitalist system, highlighting the potential problems in the pursuit of wealth and consumerism. It has been used by various political ideologies, such as Marxism, to criticize the perceived exploitation and inequalities of the capitalist bourgeoisie.

   Additionally, "bourgeois" can also be used as a noun to refer to an individual who belongs to the middle class or possesses the characteristics associated with this social class. It is worth noting that the usage and connotations of the term "bourgeois" may vary depending on the cultural and historical context.

2. A kind of printing-type in size between longprimer and brevier, in France, the middle order of inhabitants in towns, as distinguished from the nobility and gentry.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BOURGEOIS *

• bourgoise 24%
• bourgeouis 16%
• bourgeous 12%
• bourgeos 8%
• bourqeois 8%
• bourgeouise 4%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BOURGEOIS

• bougeous
• bougeois
• bourgois
• bourgeious
• bourgesie
• courgeous
• bourgeoius
• bourgeosie
• gourgeous
• burgeoise
• bourgesoise
• bourgeise
• bourgios
• bourgeoies
• bougeoise
• burgueois
• Bourneous

Etymology of BOURGEOIS

The word "bourgeois" originated in Old French as "borjois", which comes from the Late Latin word "burgensis". "Burgensis" refers to a person who lives in a borough or a fortified town. This term later evolved in Middle French to "bourgeois", which denoted a member of the middle class, particularly those in the towns and cities who were involved in trade or commerce. Over time, "bourgeois" came to represent the social class and its associated values, such as materialism and striving for economic prosperity.

Similar spelling words for BOURGEOIS

• bourguignon,
• bourgeoisie,
• bourgogne,
• Burges,
• burgess,
• Borgeson,
• borges,
• Burgeson.

Plural form of BOURGEOIS is BOURGEOIS