Economist

/ɪˈkɒnəmɪst/

nounmediumCommonBusiness

Definitions

1

A person who studies or is an expert in economics.

/ɪˈkɒnəmɪst/

nounneutralmedium
Business

An expert in economics; a person who studies or is an expert in economics.

The government consulted with several economists before making the policy change.

💡 Simply: An economist is like a financial detective who figures out how money, goods, and services work in the world. They study things like how much stuff costs, how people spend money, and how businesses make money. They try to understand the financial world and make predictions about the future.

👶 For kids: An economist is someone who studies money and how people use it.

More Examples

2

She is a highly respected economist with years of experience.

3

Leading economists debated the impact of the tax cuts on the national debt.

How It's Used

Academic

"The university hired a renowned economist to advise on financial matters."

Journalism

"Economists are predicting a slowdown in global economic growth."

Business

"The company's economists forecast increased consumer spending."

Idioms & expressions

supply-side economist

An economist who focuses on increasing production and supply to stimulate economic growth.

"Supply-side economists emphasize tax cuts and deregulation."

Keynesian economist

An economist who adheres to the principles of John Maynard Keynes, emphasizing government intervention to stabilize the economy.

"Keynesian economists advocate for government spending during recessions."

Austrian economist

An economist who adheres to the principles of the Austrian School of economics, emphasizing free markets and minimal government intervention.

"Austrian economists often criticize government regulations."

From Greek οἰκονομία (oikonomía, 'household management'), from οἶκος (oîkos, 'house') + νόμος (nómos, 'custom, law'), influenced by the term 'economy'. Initially referring to the management of a household, it later expanded to the study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

The word 'economist' emerged as a distinct term in the 19th century, as economics began to solidify as a formal field of study, separating from general philosophy and political economy.

Memory tip

Think of the 'eco' in economist - related to environment and finances.

economistteconomisttseconimisteconommists

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written