democratic
deh-muh-KRA-tihk
Democratic (adjective) means relating to or based on the principle that power belongs to the people. Example: “Our club runs on democratic principles, so every member gets an equal vote.”
adjective
1
Relating to or based on the principle that power belongs to the people.
"Our club runs on democratic principles, so every member gets an equal vote."
"The country held its first democratic elections in a generation."
"The committee made its decision through a democratic vote."
How to use democratic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes anything based on rule by the people, or, capitalised, related to the US Democratic Party.
Common pairings
democratic process
democratic values
democratic elections
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Word forms
- Plural
- democratics
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Our club runs on _____ principles, so every member gets an equal vote.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek demokratikos, from demokratia ("democracy") plus the adjective suffix -ikos.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
undemocratic
Related words
Rhymes for democratic
See all rhymes for democratic →Frequently asked questions
What does “democratic” mean?
The word “democratic” means relating to or based on the principle that power belongs to the people. In plain terms, describes anything based on rule by the people, or, capitalised, related to the US Democratic Party.
How do you pronounce “democratic”?
“Democratic” is pronounced deh-muh-KRA-tihk (/ˌdɛməˈkɹætɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “democratic” in a sentence?
Here is “democratic” used in a sentence: “The country held its first democratic elections in a generation.”
What part of speech is “democratic”?
“Democratic” is an adjective.
Where does the word “democratic” come from?
The word “democratic” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek demokratikos, from demokratia ("democracy") plus the adjective suffix -ikos.
Is “democratic” a common word?
“Democratic” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'democratic' and 'Democratic' with a capital D?
Lowercase 'democratic' describes anything based on rule by the people — democratic elections, a democratic workplace, a democratic decision. Capitalized 'Democratic' refers specifically to the Democratic Party in the United States. Context and capitalization tell you whether the writer means the general principle or the political party.
What is the opposite of 'democratic'?
The opposites are words like authoritarian, autocratic, dictatorial, or undemocratic — systems where power rests with one ruler or a small group rather than the people. A democratic process invites broad participation; an authoritarian one concentrates control and limits the public's voice.
What is an example of something democratic?
A free election is the classic example, where citizens vote to choose their leaders. Beyond politics, a decision is democratic when everyone affected has an equal say — a team voting on a plan, or a club where members elect their officers all reflect democratic principles.
Is 'democratic' a positive word?
Generally yes. In everyday use it carries positive associations of fairness, equality, and shared power, so calling a process democratic is usually praise. It is a descriptive term, though, so its exact tone depends on context — but most people hear it as approving.
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