Democracy

A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives., Control of an organization or group by the majority of its members., Belief in freedom and equality between people.

Democracy - Meanings

A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives.

Example: In a democracy, citizens have the right to vote for their leaders.

Usage: formalContext: political discussions, academic writing

Note: This is the most common meaning of 'democracy' referring to a form of government where people have a say in decision-making through elected representatives.

Control of an organization or group by the majority of its members.

Example: The club operates on the principles of democracy, with decisions made by a vote among members.

Usage: formalContext: organizational settings, academic discussions

Note: This meaning is often used in the context of group dynamics and decision-making processes within organizations.

Belief in freedom and equality between people.

Example: She is a strong advocate for democracy and human rights.

Usage: formalContext: philosophical debates, human rights discussions

Note: This meaning of 'democracy' is more abstract and refers to the principles of freedom and equality that underlie democratic systems.

Democracy's synonyms

Republic

A republic is a form of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter', not the private concern or property of rulers.

Example: The United States is a constitutional republic.

Note: While democracy focuses on majority rule, a republic emphasizes the rule of law and protection of individual rights.

Self-government

Self-government refers to the ability of a community or group to govern itself independently without external interference.

Example: The indigenous tribe practiced self-government in their community.

Note: Self-government can encompass various forms of governance, including democracy, but it emphasizes the autonomy and independence of the governing body.

Popular government

Popular government is a form of government that is based on the will of the people or the general population.

Example: Switzerland is known for its system of popular government.

Note: Popular government highlights the direct involvement and influence of the populace in decision-making processes, similar to democracy.

Democracy expressions, common phrases

Exercise one's democratic right

To exercise one's democratic right means to actively participate in the democratic process, such as voting in elections or expressing one's opinions freely.

Example: It's important to exercise your democratic right to vote in elections.

Note: This phrase emphasizes the action or participation aspect of democracy rather than just the concept itself.

Voice of the people

The 'voice of the people' refers to the collective opinion or will of the general population in a democratic society.

Example: The results of the referendum truly represent the voice of the people.

Note: This phrase highlights the idea that democracy is about reflecting the opinions and desires of the majority.

Democratic principles

Democratic principles are the fundamental beliefs and values that underpin a democratic system, such as equality, liberty, and justice.

Example: The country's constitution is built upon democratic principles of equality and freedom.

Note: This phrase refers to the foundational ideas and values that guide democratic governance.

Democratic process

The democratic process encompasses the procedures and mechanisms through which decisions are made in a democratic society, including elections, debates, and public consultations.

Example: The peaceful transfer of power is a key part of the democratic process.

Note: This phrase focuses on the procedural aspect of democracy, highlighting the methods and systems used in democratic governance.

Democratic institutions

Democratic institutions are the organizations and structures within a democratic system that ensure accountability, transparency, and the protection of rights and freedoms.

Example: Strong democratic institutions are essential for upholding the rule of law.

Note: This phrase refers to the formal structures and mechanisms that support and safeguard democracy.

Democracy everyday (slang) expressions

Demo

Demo is a shortened form of democracy. It is commonly used informally to refer to a demonstration or a voting session.

Example: Let's have a demo to decide who gets to choose the movie tonight.

Note: Demo has a more casual and colloquial tone compared to democracy.

Rule by the mob

'Rule by the mob' is a negative slang term used to describe a situation where a democracy is perceived as being controlled by an unruly or unorganized majority.

Example: Some critics argue that direct democracy can lead to 'rule by the mob.'

Note: This term conveys a sense of disorder or lack of control compared to the concept of democracy.

People power

People power refers to the collective influence and strength of ordinary citizens in a democracy, often associated with grassroots movements or popular uprisings.

Example: The success of the protest was a clear example of people power in action.

Note: It emphasizes the role of ordinary individuals in influencing political decisions, highlighting the power of the people within a democracy.

Ballot box

Ballot box is a slang term used to refer to the physical container where votes are collected and counted during elections.

Example: Make sure to cast your vote at the ballot box on election day.

Note: It specifically points to the act of voting or the election process, distinct from the broader concept of democracy.

People's rule

People's rule emphasizes the idea that control and decision-making power in a democracy belong to the general population rather than a small elite.

Example: The concept of people's rule is fundamental to the idea of democracy.

Note: It underscores the concept of governance by and for the people, highlighting the egalitarian nature of democracy.

Majority rule

Majority rule is a concept in democracy where decisions or policies are determined by what the majority of people support or vote for.

Example: In a democracy, decisions are often made based on the principle of majority rule.

Note: It focuses on the idea that decisions are made based on the preference of the largest group, showcasing a key principle of democracy.

The will of the people

The will of the people refers to the collective desires, wishes, or intentions of the general population in a democracy.

Example: The government is obligated to follow the will of the people in a true democracy.

Note: It highlights the importance of aligning government actions with the desires and preferences of the broader citizenry, reflecting a core democratic principle.

Democracy - Examples

Democracy is a form of government in which power is held by the people.

The country is transitioning to a democracy after years of dictatorship.

The citizens exercised their right to vote in the democratic election.

Democracy grammar

Democracy - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)

Lemma: democracy

Conjugations

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): democracies, democracy

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): democracy

Syllabification and Stress

democracy Contains 4 syllables: de • moc • ra • cy

Phonetic transcription: di-ˈmä-krə-sē

de moc ra cy , di ˈmä krə sē (The red syllable is stressed)

Democracy - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

democracy: ~ 2000 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

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