noun

diarchy

DY-ar-kee

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Diarchy (noun) means a system of government in which two people or authorities rule jointly. Example: “The empire was briefly run as a diarchy, with two emperors sharing power.”

noun

A system of government in which two people or authorities rule jointly.

"The empire was briefly run as a diarchy, with two emperors sharing power."

"Some city-states experimented with a diarchy rather than a single monarch."

"Historians debated whether the arrangement was a true diarchy or one ruler dominating the other."

How to use diarchy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA system where two rulers share power at the top instead of just one.

When to use it

Diarchy is a formal term mostly found in historical and political writing.

Memory tip

The di- at the start is the same di- as in words like divide, so think 'two rulers' to remember diarchy.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

monarchy →

Common pairings

rule as a diarchy a joint diarchy form of diarchy

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “diarchy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The empire was briefly run as a _____, with two emperors sharing power.

Etymology

Diarchy is built from the prefix di-, meaning two, combined with -archy, meaning rule. Its form was shaped on the model of the word monarchy.

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for diarchy

anarchy monarchy oligarchy tetrarchy hierarchy patriarchy

See all rhymes for diarchy →

Frequently asked questions

What does diarchy mean?

A diarchy is a system of government where two people or authorities hold ruling power jointly, rather than one single ruler.

How is diarchy different from monarchy?

A monarchy is ruled by one person, while a diarchy divides that ruling authority between two.

Is diarchy spelled differently anywhere?

Yes, the same word also appears as dinarchy or dyarchy.

What is the meaning of diarchy?

"diarchy" (noun) means a system of government in which two people or authorities rule jointly.