I'd like to know the etymology of "Communism" ...

Here's a start . . .
Try this site for a start on finding the etymology of Communism:

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Communism

Good luck! Charli[/color]

But I'm interested in earlier definition of Communism
Worlds like materialism and idealism have special philosophical connotations to us Chinese students. A study of their etymologies, and changes in meaning over the centuries might help us better understand these terms, communism included.

Ever changing language
Language is fluid - ever changing; not static - standing still. The meanings of words change constantly. And they mean different things to different people, even in the same country - all native speakers of the same language.

If you would like to see a small exercise in the usage of language, go to my profile here and then to my web site which is listed. Look at "AMERICANESE!!!" (see sidebar). The www on this post is the web site of a friend. You might wish to look at it also - "Word Info." Enjoy![/color]