Y09W28VC Theme Words — Capitalism & consumption

This module focuses on vocabulary connected to the theme of Capitalism & consumption. The words in this set are used when discussing market economies, the production and purchase of goods and the social and environmental effects of consumer culture. Many of these terms appear in economics, sociology and media criticism. Developing fluency with this vocabulary helps students engage critically with the economic systems that shape everyday life.

Word in Context (Theme: Capitalism & consumption)

These three words help you discuss Capitalism & consumption with greater precision and confidence. Focus on the small difference in each word's meaning so you can choose the right word in formal writing.

commodity

/kəˈmɒdɪti/

com‑mod‑i‑ty

noun

A product or good that is bought and sold; also refers to the treatment of something as a tradeable product.

Word family: commodify (v.), commodification (n.)

Example: Critics of capitalism argue that it reduces everything — including human labour and natural resources — to a commodity.

Synonyms: product, good, item of trade

Collocations: treat as a commodity, commodity market, natural commodity

exploit

/ɪkˈsplɔɪt/

ex‑ploit

verb | [exploit – exploited – exploited]

To use someone or something unfairly for personal gain; to take advantage of.

Word family: exploitation (n.), exploitative (adj.)

Example: Multinational corporations have been accused of exploiting cheap labour in developing nations to maximise profit.

Synonyms: take advantage of, abuse, misuse

Collocations: exploit workers, exploit resources, exploit vulnerabilities

sustainable

/səˈsteɪnəbəl/

sus‑tain‑a‑ble

adjective

Able to be maintained over time without depleting resources or causing long-term harm; environmentally responsible.

Word family: sustainability (n.), sustain (v.)

Example: Many economists argue that the current model of mass consumption is not sustainable and will require fundamental reform.

Synonyms: viable, long-term, environmentally sound

Collocations: sustainable development, sustainable practices, financially sustainable

Academic Vocab

prevalent

/ˈprɛvələnt/

prev‑a‑lent

adjective

Widely occurring, existing or accepted across a particular group, area or period of time.

Word family: prevalence (n.)

Example: A culture of disposability has become prevalent in consumer societies, where products are designed to be replaced rather than repaired.

Synonyms: widespread, common, pervasive

Collocations: prevalent in, increasingly prevalent, prevalent attitude

dominant

/ˈdɒmɪnənt/

dom‑i‑nant

adjective

Most important, influential or powerful; having the greatest authority or control in a situation.

Word family: dominate (v.), dominance (n.)

Example: Capitalist values have become so dominant in global culture that they are often treated as natural rather than constructed.

Synonyms: leading, primary, prevailing

Collocations: dominant ideology, dominant narrative, remain dominant

pervasive

/pəˈveɪsɪv/

per‑va‑sive

adjective

Spreading through or present in every part of something; having a widespread influence or effect.

Word family: pervasively (adv.)

Example: The logic of consumer capitalism is pervasive, shaping not only our shopping habits but also our sense of self-worth.

Synonyms: widespread, all-encompassing, ubiquitous

Collocations: pervasive influence, pervasive culture, deeply pervasive

overarching

/ˌəʊvərˈɑːtʃɪŋ/

o‑ver‑arch‑ing

adjective

Including or influencing all aspects of something; forming the most important overall framework or theme.

Example: The overarching narrative of economic progress has often been used to justify social and environmental costs.

Synonyms: all-encompassing, dominant, comprehensive

Collocations: overarching framework, overarching theme, overarching argument

widespread

/ˈwaɪdsprɛd/

wide‑spread

adjective

Found, existing or distributed over a large area or number of people.

Example: Despite widespread criticism from economists, the government continued to prioritise economic growth over environmental protection.

Synonyms: extensive, prevalent, pervasive

Collocations: widespread concern, widespread impact, become widespread

this is prevalent

/ðɪs ɪz ˈprɛvələnt/

this is prev‑a‑lent

phrase

Used in academic writing to observe that the condition or pattern just described is widely occurring.

Example: Products are designed to fail within two years, compelling consumers to buy replacements; this is prevalent in the technology industry.

Synonyms: this is widespread, this is common, this is evident

Collocations: this is prevalent in, this is particularly prevalent, this is increasingly prevalent

Confusing Words

denotation vs connotation

These two terms are fundamental to literary analysis and are frequently confused because both relate to the meaning of words.

  • denotation — denotation the literal, dictionary definition of a word — its direct, factual meaning; for example, ‘The denotation of "home" is simply a place where people live.’
  • connotation — connotation the emotional, cultural or additional associations that a word carries beyond its literal meaning; for example, ‘The connotation of "home" includes warmth, safety and belonging — meanings that are not in the dictionary definition but are widely understood.’

Memory rule: A reliable distinction: denotation is what the word says; connotation is what the word feels like. In literary analysis, the most interesting work usually involves exploring connotations — the layers of meaning that shape a reader's emotional and ideological response to a text.