Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

ɔːtəˈkrætɪk

Definitions

• Relating to or characterized by autocracy; dictatorial or tyrannical in nature.
• Describing a system or government in which one person has absolute power.
• Having complete control or authority over a situation or organization, often in an oppressive manner.

Usage Examples

• The autocratic regime ruled without regard for the people’s rights.
• The CEO’s autocratic leadership style led to employee dissatisfaction.
• Under autocratic rule, the country's political opposition was banned.

Etymology

The word "autocratic" comes from the Greek "autokratēs," meaning "self-ruler," which is derived from "autos" meaning "self" and "kratos" meaning "power" or "rule." The term first appeared in English in the early 19th century to describe systems of government in which one person held absolute power.

Synonyms

• Dictatorial
• Tyrannical
• Despotic
• Absolute
• Authoritarian
• Totalitarian

Antonyms

• Democratic
• Participatory
• Republican
• Constitutional
• Inclusive
• Libertarian

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "autocratic" may vary slightly based on regional accents. In some regions, the emphasis may shift between syllables or the vowel sounds may differ slightly. This is common in languages with different phonetic systems and in informal speech.

Historical Usage

The term "autocratic" is used to describe systems of governance where one individual holds all the power. Historically, this term has been applied to monarchies, dictatorships, and totalitarian regimes, where rulers often exercised absolute control. The autocratic model has been particularly prevalent in periods of political instability or where centralized leadership was deemed necessary for the survival of the state.

Cultural Nuances

The cultural implications of autocratic leadership are complex. In some cultures, autocratic rulers have been viewed as stabilizing forces, bringing order during periods of unrest. In others, autocratic governance is associated with oppression and a lack of individual freedoms. The cultural reception of autocratic rule can depend heavily on the social, economic, and political context in which it occurs.

More Information

An autocratic system refers to a government or leadership style where one individual holds absolute and unrestricted control. This control can extend across all facets of governance, from military decisions to societal norms. Historically, autocratic rulers have been both revered for their decisiveness and criticized for their suppression of personal freedoms. Today, while democracy is more widespread, autocratic systems still exist in various forms, often under the guise of national security or stability.