1. Oligarchy (noun): A system of government in which a small group of people holds power.
2. Oligarchy (noun): A society or organization controlled by a small, elite group.
3. Oligarchy (noun): A ruling class or group that exercises control, often for personal or financial gain.
"Oligarchy" refers to a form of government or control structure where power resides with a small group of people. This group could be based on wealth, family ties, or connections, often prioritizing their own interests over the majority. Although rooted in governance, the term can also apply to other systems where control is concentrated in a few hands. Explore its depths to understand how "oligarchy" shapes political and social power dynamics.
The word "oligarchy" is commonly used in political science and social studies to describe governance by a small elite group. Here are its various meanings.
As a noun, "oligarchy" refers to a system where a small group of individuals, often the wealthy or powerful, hold control over a nation or government.
Beyond politics, "oligarchy" can refer to the control of a corporation, institution, or society by a small and influential group.
The term also describes the group itself—those who hold the power and make decisions that affect the larger population.
"Oligarchy" functions as a noun used to describe both the ruling group and the associated system of governance. In some cases, it can describe societal structures where influence is limited to a privileged minority. It rarely deviates from this core role in communication.
"Oligarchy" is pronounced "OL-i-gar-kee," where "OL" rhymes with "doll," the second syllable "i" is short as in "bit," and "gar-kee" completes it with a soft "kee" sound. The first syllable takes the main stress. Practicing this word involves keeping the "OL" bold and easing through the remaining syllables.
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈɒl.ɪ.ɡɑːr.ki/
Understanding synonyms for "oligarchy" can help diversify vocabulary and improve comprehension.
Exploring antonyms of "oligarchy" helps understand systems of government where power is more evenly distributed.
Seeing "oligarchy" in different sentence contexts can clarify its meaning and usage.
1. The country was ruled by an oligarchy of wealthy businessmen and military leaders.
2. Many critics argue that corporate influence has turned modern democracies into disguised forms of oligarchy.
3. The ancient Greek city-state of Sparta operated under an oligarchy where power was held by a few elite warriors.
4. The banking industry is often accused of functioning as an oligarchy that prioritizes the interests of the wealthy.
5. Throughout history, various nations have transitioned from monarchy to oligarchy before adopting democracy.
6. The rise of powerful technology firms has led to concerns about a digital oligarchy.
7. The organization was run like an oligarchy, with only a handful of executives making decisions.
8. Political analysts warn that unchecked lobbying can lead to an oligarchy where policies benefit only the elite.
9. The revolution aimed to overthrow the ruling oligarchy and establish a fairer system.
10. Even though elections were held, the country remained an oligarchy because the same elite class always held power.
Political science texts and opinion pages keep “oligarchy” visible, showing clear spikes during debates on wealth inequality and corruption. While not a high-frequency everyday word, its appearances often signal serious discussion of power structures, giving it weight disproportionate to its count.
"Oligarchy" has a few variations and related forms that adapt to different contexts.
Understanding related words can help clarify the meaning and usage of "oligarchy."
"Oligarchy" reached English in the 1570s from Greek "oligarkhia," literally "rule of few," built from "oligos," "few," and "arkhein," "to rule." The term passed through Latin and French before English borrowed it. Philosophers like Aristotle used it to contrast with democracy, and by the 1800s, economists applied it to industrial monopolies. Modern commentators now extend it to tech giants and plutocratic states, keeping its core meaning intact.
"Oligarchy" has several derivatives and compound words that expand its meaning.
"Oligarchy" is sometimes misspelled in various ways. Here are some common errors:
Here are ten idioms that convey ideas similar to "oligarchy":
People often ask questions about the meaning and usage of "oligarchy." Here are some of the most common inquiries:
1. What is the basic definition of "oligarchy"?
"Oligarchy" refers to a system of government or control in which power is held by a small group of people, often from the wealthy or elite class.
2. How is "oligarchy" different from a dictatorship?
In a dictatorship, power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader, while in an oligarchy, power is shared among a small group of individuals or families.
3. Can a democracy have oligarchic elements?
Yes, a democracy can have oligarchic tendencies if a small group of wealthy or influential individuals control major political or economic decisions.
4. How can "oligarchy" be used in a sentence?
You can say, "The country became an oligarchy when only a few powerful families controlled the government."
5. What are examples of historical oligarchies?
Examples include ancient Sparta, where a group of elite warriors ruled, and certain periods of Russian and Roman governance.
6. What is the phonetic pronunciation of "oligarchy"?
The phonetic pronunciation is /ˈɒl.ɪ.ɡɑːr.ki/, with stress on the first syllable: "OL-i-gar-kee."
7. What are synonyms of "oligarchy"?
Some synonyms include "plutocracy," "elitism," and "ruling class."
8. What are antonyms of "oligarchy"?
Antonyms include "democracy," "republic," and "equal representation."
9. Can a corporation be considered an oligarchy?
Yes, corporations can function as oligarchies if a small group of executives or board members make all major decisions.
10. How does oligarchy affect economic systems?
Oligarchy can lead to wealth concentration, limited competition, and policies that benefit the ruling elite rather than the general population.
The word "oligarchy" refers to a system of governance or control where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, often wealthy or elite individuals. It is widely used in political and economic discussions to describe power structures in governments and organizations. Expanding your vocabulary with words like "oligarchy" helps improve understanding of social and political systems.
