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Meaning & use

Keynesian

adjective, noun·Academicformal

Last updated

UK/ˈkeɪnziən/
US/ˈkeɪnziən/

Meanings

  1. adjectivebefore a nounformal

    Relating to the economic ideas of John Maynard Keynes, especially the view that governments should spend money to support demand and reduce unemployment.

    Grammar: Used before a noun: Keynesian economics, Keynesian policies. It is not usually used after a verb.

    Patterns

    • Keynesian economics
    • Keynesian policies
    • a Keynesian approach

    The government adopted Keynesian policies to boost spending during the recession.

    Many economists still debate whether Keynesian ideas work in a globalized economy.

    Her textbook explains Keynesian theory in a clear and simple way.

  2. nouncountableformal

    A person who supports or studies the economic ideas of John Maynard Keynes.

    Grammar: Countable: a Keynesian, two Keynesians. Often used in political or academic discussion.

    Patterns

    • a Keynesian
    • Keynesians argue that …

    As a Keynesian, she argues that public investment can pull the economy out of a slump.

    The panel included both Keynesians and supporters of free markets.

Word forms

pluralKeynesians

Common combinations

Keynesian economics
Keynesian economics became influential after the Great Depression.
Keynesian policies
The president introduced Keynesian policies to create jobs.
a Keynesian approach
A Keynesian approach would increase public spending during a downturn.
Keynesian theory
Keynesian theory stresses the role of total demand.
post-Keynesian
Post-Keynesian economists developed his ideas in new directions.

Synonyms and how they differ

interventionist
Broader and not tied to Keynes; it means supporting government action in the economy, while Keynesian specifically refers to Keynes's ideas.

Opposites

monetaristfree-market

Word family

Keynesianism noun
The economic theory or practice based on Keynes's ideas.
post-Keynesian adjective
Relating to later economic ideas that developed from Keynes's work.

Commonly confused: Keynesian or Kenyan?

Keynesian vs Kenyan

Kenyan means relating to Kenya, a country in East Africa. Keynesian relates to the economist Keynes.

Practice

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