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invisible hand

[ in-viz-uh-buhl hand ]

noun

  1. (in the economics of Adam Smith) an unseen force or mechanism that guides individuals to unwittingly benefit society through the pursuit of their private interests.


invisible hand

  1. A term used by Adam Smith to describe his belief that individuals seeking their economic self-interest actually benefit society more than they would if they tried to benefit society directly. The statement “ 's good for the country is good for General Motors, and vice versa ” expresses essentially the same belief.
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Word History and Origins

Origin of invisible hand1

First recorded in 1775–80
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In those markets, as famously illustrated by Adam Smith’s “invisible hand,” thoughtful buyers and sellers create efficient outcomes as a result of their pursuit of personal profit.

From

He is seen as this neoliberal, laissez-faire, "invisible hand" theorist, but that’s a caricature of the real Adam Smith.

From

"Adam Smith is seen as this neoliberal, laissez-faire, 'invisible hand' theorist, but that’s a caricature. He was much more interested in poor people flourishing and issues of power and empire."

From

It said Ms Wadhwa was “the invisible hand behind everything that had taken place.”

From

It said that Ms Wadhwa was “the invisible hand behind everything that had taken place.”

From

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