What does "democracy" mean?
Rule by the people, especially as a form of government; either directly or through elected representatives (representative democracy).
Democracy
/dɪˈmɒk.ɹə.si/ name, noun
name, noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Rule by the people, especially as a form of government; either directly or through elected representatives (representative democracy).
- Grammar: democracy is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: absolute monarchy, aristocracy, autarchy, autocracy.
- Useful contrasts: authoritarian rule, autocratic regime, german autokratie.
- Usage evidence: Democracy is the worst form of government, except all the others that have been tried.
How to use "democracy"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "democracy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "democracy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "democracy" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "democracy" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "democracy" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "absolute monarchy" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Rule by the people, especially as a form of government; either directly or through elected representatives (representative democracy). uncountable
"And the essential value and power of Democracy consists in this,—that it combines, as far as possible, power and organization ; THE SPIRIT, MANHOOD, is at one with THE BODY, ORGANIZATION. [....] Democracy is Government by the People."
- 2 the doctrine that the numerical majority of an organized group can make decisions binding on the whole group wordnet
- 3 A government under the direct or representative rule of the people of its jurisdiction. countable
"Of course, the Russians think it is something else because they say the Russians have a democracy and it is plain that their government is not what the Americans regard as a democracy."
- 4 the political orientation of those who favor government by the people or by their elected representatives wordnet
- 5 A state with a democratic system of government. countable
"After almost four decades of authoritarian rule, South Africa became a democracy in April 1994."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them wordnet
- 7 Belief in political freedom and equality; the "spirit of democracy". uncountable
"As states of the human spirit democracy, righteousness, and faith have much in common and may be cultivated by the same means..."
Proper Noun
- 1 The Democratic Party. US, obsolete
"I so adopt it because it furnishes a precise and an agreed starting point for a discussion between Republicans and that wing of the Democracy headed by Senator Douglas."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
authoritarian ruleautocratic regimegerman autokratieimperial system
Example
"Democracy is the worst form of government, except all the others that have been tried."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "democracy"?
Common synonyms include: absolute monarchy, aristocracy, autarchy, autocracy, autonomy, coalition government.
How do you use "democracy" in a sentence?
Democracy is the worst form of government, except all the others that have been tried.
How do you pronounce "democracy"?
Pronounced /dɪˈmɒk.ɹə.si/.
Etymology
From Middle French democratie (French démocratie), from Medieval Latin dēmocratia, from Ancient Greek δημοκρᾰτῐ́ᾱ (dēmokrătĭ́ā). By surface analysis, demo- (“people”) + -cracy (“rule”).