Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/dɪˈmɒkrəsi/ (British English), /dɪˈmɑːkrəsi/ (American English)

Definitions

• A system of government in which the citizens exercise power by voting.
• A form of government in which the majority rules, and the rights of the individual are respected.
• The practice or advocacy of government by the people, especially the rule of the majority.
• A system or institution characterized by free and fair elections and equal participation in political decision-making.

Usage Examples

• The United States is a representative democracy where elected officials make decisions on behalf of the people.
• In a democracy, it is vital to protect individual rights, regardless of the majority opinion.
• Many countries are striving to build and strengthen democracy, ensuring free elections and public participation.

Etymology

From Greek "demokratia," derived from "demos" (people) and "kratos" (power or rule), meaning "rule by the people." The term emerged in ancient Greece, particularly in Athens, where the concept of democracy was developed and practiced.

Synonyms

• Republic
• Self-government
• Popular rule
• Representative government
• Constitutional government

Antonyms

• Autocracy
• Dictatorship
• Totalitarianism
• Oligarchy
• Monarchy

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciation may vary slightly across English dialects, particularly between British and American English. British English tends to emphasize the "o" sound in the second syllable, while American English may pronounce it with a softer "a" sound. Regional accents in other languages can also influence how "democracy" is spoken.

Historical Usage

The term "democracy" first appeared in Ancient Greece, particularly in Athens, in the 5th century BCE. It referred to a system of government where all eligible citizens could participate in decision-making. The concept was revolutionary at the time and has since been adopted, adapted, and expanded globally. Over centuries, democracy has evolved from a direct form of participation to more representative systems, especially in modern times.

Cultural Nuances

While democracy is often associated with political systems, the idea also carries significant cultural implications. In many societies, democracy symbolizes not only governance but also values such as freedom, equality, and justice. Cultural interpretations of democracy can differ, with some regions focusing on the importance of individual rights, while others emphasize collective well-being and social harmony.

More Information

Democracy is considered one of the most influential forms of governance in modern times. It offers citizens the right to vote, express opinions, and participate in political decision-making. However, its implementation can vary greatly between countries. Some democracies are direct, where citizens vote on laws themselves, while others are representative, where citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf. The strength of a democracy is often judged by how well it protects individual rights and how free and fair its elections are. Over time, democracy has spread globally, though many challenges remain, including ensuring equal participation and protecting minority rights.