philistine; profiteer; broker
Meanings
3 senses · 8 examplesnoun
vulgarian; philistine; self-seeking person
derogatoryRefers to a person with vulgar, mercenary attitudes who cares only about personal gain. Often used in phrases describing habits or style.
He is very mercenary in his conduct, calculating gains and losses in everything.
I don't like his philistine habits.
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This article exposes the mercenary attitudes prevalent in society.
noun
profiteer; unscrupulous merchant
derogatoryRefers to merchants who care only about profit and lack integrity.
This profiteer only cares about profit and never talks about integrity.
The owner of that shop is a typical profiteer, always shortchanging customers.
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We must crack down on those profiteers who engage in speculation and profiteering.
noun
broker; middleman
archaicOriginal meaning, now largely archaic. Refers to agents who facilitated trade between buyers and sellers.
In ancient times, brokers facilitated transactions between buyers and sellers.
He took up work as a broker, specifically purchasing goods for wealthy families.