laissez faire
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Alternative spellings
[edit] Etymology
French laissez faire (“‘leave it be [lit. let do]’”)
[edit] Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA: /ˈlæs.eɪ ˌfeə(ɹ)/, /ˈleɪ.seɪ ˌfeə(ɹ)/, SAMPA: /"l{s.eI %fe@(r)/, /"leI.seI %fe@(r)/
- Audio (US)help, file
[edit] Noun
- (economics) A policy of governmental non-interference in economic affairs.
- A policy of non-interference by authority in any competitive process.
[edit] Quotations
- For examples of the usage of this term see the citations page.
[edit] Usage notes
- Usually spelled "laissez-faire" in its common attributive use.
[edit] Adjective
laissez faire (comparative more laissez faire, superlative most laissez faire)
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Comparative |
Superlative |
- (economics, politics) Practicing or representing governmental noninterference, or minimal interference, especially in economic affairs; pertaining to free-market capitalism.
- I think the city should take a laissez faire approach to this; getting involved would only make things worse.
- (economics, politics) Advocating such noninterference.
- The Senator claims to be laissez faire, but he voted in favor of the subsidies.
- (economics) Resulting from such noninterference.
- The price ceiling was well below the laissez faire price that demand would have supported, so there were always shortages.
- (of a person) Avoiding interference in other people's affairs; choosing to live and let live.
[edit] See also
[edit] French
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Noun
laissez faire m (usually uncountable)
- (rare, dated) Alternative form of laisser-faire.
[edit] Verb
laissez faire
- Second-person plural indicative present form of laisser faire.
- Second-person plural imperative present form of laisser faire.

