What does "democratic" mean?
Synonym of democrat (“a supporter of democracy; an advocate of democratic politics (originally (historical) as opposed to the aristocrats in Revolutionary France)”).
Democratic
/ˌdɛm.əˈkɹæt.ɪk/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Synonym of democrat (“a supporter of democracy; an advocate of democratic politics (originally (historical) as opposed to the aristocrats in Revolutionary France)”).
- Grammar: democratic is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: popular, absolute, aristocratic, athenian democracy.
- Useful contrasts: aristocratic, authoritarian, authoritarian approach.
- Usage evidence: Introducing democratic ideas into that country will be a slow process.
How to use "democratic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "democratic" 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 "democratic" 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 "democratic" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "democratic" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- 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 "democratic" is acting as adj, 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 "popular" 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
Before publishing a sentence with "democratic", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
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 Synonym of democrat (“a supporter of democracy; an advocate of democratic politics (originally (historical) as opposed to the aristocrats in Revolutionary France)”). dated, in-plural
"This kingly government (as some call it) is a thing that our democraticks cannot brook: we are an undone people if we do not down with that."
Adjective
- 1 Pertaining to democracy; constructed upon or in line with the principle of government chosen by the people.
"The United States is a democratic country, as the citizens are allowed to choose leaders to represent their interests."
- 2 Of, pertaining to, or supporting the Democratic Party. US, not-comparable
"The most recent Democratic president of the United States is Joe Biden."
- 3 Exhibiting social equality; egalitarian.
""Oh, I hold with the framers of the Constitution, that all men are created free and equal; likewise, all boys and girls," said democratic Kitty; […]"
- 4 Alternative letter-case form of democratic (“pertaining to democracy”). alt-of, not-comparable, rare
- 5 Alternative letter-case form of Democratic (“of, pertaining to, or supporting the Democratic Party”). US, alt-of
"Mount Vernon is run by a strong democratic party organization."
Adjective
- 1 representing or appealing to or adapted for the benefit of the people at large wordnet
- 2 characterized by or advocating or based upon the principles of democracy or social equality wordnet
- 3 belong to or relating to the Democratic Party wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Introducing democratic ideas into that country will be a slow process."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "democratic"?
Common synonyms include: popular, absolute, aristocratic, athenian democracy, authoritarian, autocratic.
How do you use "democratic" in a sentence?
Introducing democratic ideas into that country will be a slow process.
How do you pronounce "democratic"?
Pronounced /ˌdɛm.əˈkɹæt.ɪk/.
Etymology
From Middle French democratique (“pertaining to democracy, democratic”) (modern French démocratique), and its etymon Late Latin democraticus (“pertaining to democracy, democratic; democrat”), from Ancient Greek δημοκρᾰτῐκός (dēmokrătĭkós, “of or for democracy; favouring or suited for democracy”), from δημοκρᾰτῐ́ᾱ (dēmokrătĭ́ā, “democracy”) + -ῐκός (-ĭkós, suffix with the sense ‘of or pertaining’ to forming adjectives). Δημοκρᾰτῐ́ᾱ (Dēmokrătĭ́ā) is derived from δῆμος (dêmos, “the common people; free citizens, sovereign people; popular assembly; popular government, democracy”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *deh₂- (“to divide; to share”)) + -κρᾰτῐ́ᾱ (-krătĭ́ā, suffix meaning ‘government; rule’) (from κρᾰ́τος (krắtos, “might, strength; dominion, power”) (ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kret- (“insight, intelligence; strength”)) + -ῐ́ᾱ (-ĭ́ā, suffix forming feminine abstract nouns)). By surface analysis, demo- + -cratic or democrat + -ic.