Words / B2

i-KON-uh-mist/ɪˈkɒnəmɪst/

An economist studies or advises on the economy: a government economist; economists warned. Economy and economic are related. Accountant looks at an organisation’s books; economist looks at systems. Do not call a business journalist an economist without the training. Schools of thought (Keynesian etc.) appear in B2 essays.

Meaning

A person who studies or advises on the economy.

Examples

• “An economist warned that the tax cut would raise inflation.”
• “An economist warned that the tax cut could raise inflation.”
• “University economists disagreed on the size of the multiplier, which is why the report showed a range.”

Good to know

a chief / academic economist. Field: economics. Mix-up: accountant. Related: economy, economic, economical (thrifty).

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