What does "malthusian" mean?
A supporter of the ideas of Thomas Malthus.
Malthusian
/mælˈθjuːzɪən/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A supporter of the ideas of Thomas Malthus.
- Grammar: malthusian is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: adherent, advocate, catastrophic, constraint-based.
- Useful contrasts: anti Malthusian, liberal, non Malthusian.
- Usage evidence: Among the reactionary theories of a fascist character, placed at the service of imperialism, the notorious Malthusian theory of the overpopulation of the globe occupies a prominent place.
How to use "malthusian"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "malthusian" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "malthusian" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "malthusian" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "adherent" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A supporter of the ideas of Thomas Malthus.
"As Tess grew older, and began to see how matters stood, she felt quite a Malthusian towards her mother for thoughtlessly giving her so many little sisters and brothers, when it was such a trouble to nurse and provide for them."
- 2 a believer in Malthusian theory wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Of, or relating to Thomas Malthus (1766–1834) or his views on human population and world resources.
"For first, this college life, opening to scholarships, and ending, perchance, as you political economists would desire, in Malthusian fellowships,—premiums for celibacy,— consider what manner of thing it is!"
Adjective
- 1 of or relating to Thomas Malthus or to Malthusianism wordnet
Antonyms
Example
"Among the reactionary theories of a fascist character, placed at the service of imperialism, the notorious Malthusian theory of the overpopulation of the globe occupies a prominent place."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "malthusian"?
Common synonyms include: adherent, advocate, catastrophic, constraint-based, demographic, follower.
How do you use "malthusian" in a sentence?
Among the reactionary theories of a fascist character, placed at the service of imperialism, the notorious Malthusian theory of the overpopulation of the globe occupies a prominent place.
How do you pronounce "malthusian"?
Pronounced /mælˈθjuːzɪən/.
Etymology
From Malthus + -ian.