bourgeoisie
US /ˌbʊrʒ.wɑːˈziː/
UK /ˌbʊrʒ.wɑːˈziː/
1.
the middle class, typically with reference to its perceived materialistic values or conventional attitudes.
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The novel critiques the values of the bourgeoisie.
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She came from a wealthy bourgeoisie family.
2.
(in Marxist contexts) the capitalist class who own most of society's wealth and means of production.
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Marx argued that the bourgeoisie exploited the proletariat.
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The conflict between the bourgeoisie and the working class was central to Marxist theory.