How Do You Spell MALTHUSIAN?

Pronunciation: [malθjˈuːzɪən] (IPA)

Malthusian (/mælˈθjuːziən/) is a term that refers to the ideas or principles of economist Thomas Malthus, who believed that population growth would outstrip resources and lead to catastrophe. The spelling and pronunciation of "malthusian" are derived from Thomas Malthus's last name. The "al" in "Malthus" sounds like /æl/ and the "th" sounds like /θ/. The stress falls on the second syllable, with /ju:/ sounding like "you" and the suffix "-ian" pronounced like /iən/.

MALTHUSIAN Meaning and Definition

1. Malthusian is an adjective that refers to the theories and doctrines associated with Thomas Malthus, an 18th-century English economist. The term Malthusian encapsulates ideas pertaining to population growth and its potential negative impacts on society.

   In Malthusian theory, population growth is deemed to be exponential, while resource production is considered to grow at a much slower rate. Consequently, Malthus argued that overpopulation would lead to scarcity, poverty, and societal deterioration. As such, Malthusians advocate for population control methods, such as celibacy, late marriage, and abstinence, as a means to avert calamity.

   Beyond Malthus' original ideas, the term "malthusian" can also be used more broadly to describe ideologies and policies that emphasize population control, resource limitation, or pessimistic views on future population trends. It encompasses the belief that population growth should be restrained or regulated to ensure ecological sustainability, avoid depletion of resources, and maintain social stability.

   In a societal context, the term can be applied to policies like family planning programs, birth control methods, or efforts to educate individuals about reproductive choices. Moreover, it can describe the views of individuals or organizations who align with Malthusian theory, arguing for the adoption of measures to limit population expansion in order to tackle social and environmental challenges.

   Overall, "malthusian" encompasses a range of perspectives and approaches associated with population growth, resource availability, and their potential consequences on society and the environment.

2. Pert. to Malthus, who taught that population increased more rapidly than the means of subsistence could be made to increase, and consequently the undue increase of population should be checked, and early marriages discouraged.

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

Common Misspellings for MALTHUSIAN

• nalthusian
• kalthusian
• jalthusian
• mzlthusian
• mslthusian
• mwlthusian
• mqlthusian
• makthusian
• mapthusian
• maothusian
• malrhusian
• malfhusian
• malghusian
• malyhusian
• malthuesian
• maltusian
• Methusian
• Malphigiaceous
• Matthausian
• Mauthusian
• Mautusian

Etymology of MALTHUSIAN

The word "Malthusian" is derived from the name of Thomas Robert Malthus, a British economist and demographer who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Malthus is well-known for his theory of population growth and its potential consequences on society.

Malthus argued that population tends to increase exponentially while food production grows at a slower arithmetic rate. This discrepancy, according to him, would lead to scarcity and resource depletion, resulting in what he called a "Malthusian catastrophe" or a dire population crisis. Malthus' ideas on population and resource constraints were influential in shaping discussions about demography and socio-economic policies.

The term "Malthusian" was coined to describe ideas, philosophies, or policies that align with or relate to Malthus' theory. It is often used in discussions on population control, resource scarcity, and sustainable development.

Similar spelling words for MALTHUSIAN

• mallotus,
• malthusianism,
• malthus.

Plural form of MALTHUSIAN is MALTHUSIANS