Definition and meaning of English word "democracy"
democracy
/dɪˈmɒkrəsi/
Meaning
NounRule by the people, especially as a form of government; either directly or through elected representatives (representative democracy).
How to use
The term 'democracy' refers to a system of government where power is held by the people. It's essential to distinguish between 'democracy' and 'democratization', which is the process of becoming a democracy. A common learner mistake is confusing 'democracy' with 'dictatorship'.
🇬🇧 English
democracy
Example
Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of any functioning democracy.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- direct democracy— a system where citizens make decisions directly
- representative democracy— a system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions
- democracy in action— an expression used to describe a situation where democratic principles are being applied effectively
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This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #1341 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "democracy" mean?▼
The English word "democracy" means "democracy" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "democracy"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "democracy" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "democracy"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of any functioning democracy." (which translates as "democracy").
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