# invisible hand

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. A metaphor for the principle that in a free market, an individual pursuing his own self-interest also tends to promote the good of his community as a whole.

## Etymology
Coined by Adam Smith in The Wealth of Nations. Influenced by and echoing earlier use as "the hand of God". See Etymology citations.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/invisible-hand