Reading Theme:
Democracy Meaning: Rule by the People Explained (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：rule by the people (democracy)
democracy
/dɪˈmɒkrəsi/
n.
a system where people vote to choose their leaders and have a say in decisions.
rule by the people
➕
/ruːl baɪ ðə ˈpiːpəl/
n.
A system of government where supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or through elected representatives.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Greek 'demos' (people) + 'kratos' (rule/strength), meaning 'rule by the people'.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine 'demo' (people) + 'cracy' (rule) = people rule. Or think 'the people's cry' for power.
📖 Example
On election day, citizens stood in long lines, showing their belief in democracy by voting for their chosen candidates.
On election day, citizens stood in long lines, showing their belief in democracy by voting for their chosen candidates.
🔗 Collocations
direct democracy – a form of democracy in which people vote on policies directly
representative democracy – a system where citizens elect officials to make decisions on their behalf
democracy index – a measure ranking countries based on their democratic performance
🔄 Synonyms
republic (n.) – a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives
self-government (n.) – control of a country by its own people, especially after independence
popular vote (n.) – the vote of all the people, rather than that of a small group
🚫 Antonyms
dictatorship (n.) – government by a single person with absolute power
autocracy (n.) – a system of government by one person with unlimited power
tyranny (n.) – cruel and oppressive government or rule
🌱 Derivatives
democratic (adj.) – relating to or supporting democracy
democratically (adv.) – in a way that follows the principles of democracy
democrat (n.) – a person who advocates or supports democracy
📖 Cultural Story
Democracy originates from ancient Athens (5th century BC), where citizens directly voted on laws. Revived during the Enlightenment, it became a model for modern representative governments worldwide.
Meaning 2：democratic country (democracy)
democracy
/dɪˈmɒkrəsi/
n.
a country that has a government system where people can vote for their leaders.
democratic country
➕
/ˌdɛməˈkrætɪk ˈkʌntri/
n.
A nation that has a political system based on democracy, where citizens elect their leaders through free and fair elections.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She was excited to visit a vibrant democracy where freedom of speech was protected by law.
She was excited to visit a vibrant democracy where freedom of speech was protected by law.
🔗 Collocations
parliamentary democracy – a democratic system where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the legislature
consolidated democracy – a democracy that is stable and deeply rooted in society
emerging democracy – a country that is transitioning to a democratic system
🔄 Synonyms
republic (n.) – a state with a representative government, often used interchangeably with democracy
free country (n.) – a country where political freedom and civil liberties are respected
constitutional state (n.) – a state governed by a constitution that limits government power
🚫 Antonyms
dictatorship (n.) – a country ruled by a dictator with absolute power
monarchy (n.) – a country ruled by a monarch, often with limited or no democratic elements
totalitarian state (n.) – a state where the government controls all aspects of life and suppresses opposition
🌱 Derivatives
democratize (v.) – to make a country or system more democratic
democratization (n.) – the process of becoming democratic
undemocratic (adj.) – not democratic; lacking democratic principles
Wordbook
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