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rentier

rentier

2 9.9
A person who lives on money from property or other investments
  • noun
  • /ˈrɛn.tɪər/
  • Specialized
: rentista
  • Many wealthy families are considered rentiers since their income comes primarily from property rentals.
  • rentier state
  • rentier economy
  • rentier system

Examples

  • In a society dominated by rentiers, those who earn their living from investments rather than traditional jobs often shape economic policies.

  • The rentier model illustrates how individuals can achieve financial independence without engaging in active work.

  • The resulting relationship between the state and civil society has been described as "rentier" in nature.

    Academic text (1991)
  • But first, the concept "rentier" needs to be defined.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Middle Eastern states have been placed in this category in the rentier literature and in other elite studies.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Qatar may continue to act according to its current super rentier policies due to its huge per capita income.

    Academic text (2015)
  • As a result, Qatar is pro-natalist by its very nature, like other rentier states.

    Academic text (2015)
  • At the same time, the rentier state dependent upon imported goods had been weakened by its inability to purchase.

    Academic text (1995)
  • The nationalization of oil expanded Iraq's role as a rentier state through direct ownership.

    Academic text (1995)
  • Still, the Egyptian trajectory differs from that of the minimally rentier states in critical respects.

    Academic text (1995)

Synonyms

landlord
vsrentier
207 2.2

A person or company that owns homes and rents them to tenants

earns income from rents, bonds, or other investments without active work
landlady
vsrentier
33 2.1

A woman who owns a house or rooms and rents them to people

earns income from rents, bonds, or other investments without active work

Antonyms

167 1.3

A person from the working class, not necessarily employed now

Surface Forms

rentier singular
rentiers plural

Etymology

The word rentier comes from the French word rente, meaning 'income' or 'rent', and is like the English word rent. So a rentier is someone who lives on that income from property or investments instead of doing paid work.