Democratic: meaning, definitions and examples

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democratic

 

[ ˌdeməˈkratɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

political system

relating to or supporting democracy or its principles

Synonyms

egalitarian, liberal, representative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
democratic

This term is used when referring to systems, societies, or organizations where power is vested in the people through voting and fair representation.

  • The country prides itself on having free and democratic elections
egalitarian

Commonly used when discussing ideas or systems that advocate equal rights and opportunities for all people, often in social or economic contexts.

  • The school implemented an egalitarian approach to education, ensuring all students had access to the same resources
representative

This word is often used when talking about systems where elected individuals act on behalf of a larger group, such as in representative democracies.

  • The senator noted that the representative government allows citizens to have their voices heard through elected officials
liberal

Usually refers to open-mindedness and a willingness to accept or promote progressive social policies, freedoms, and inclusiveness.

  • She has liberal views on immigration and supports comprehensive reform

Examples of usage

  • a democratic government
  • a democratic country
  • democratic elections
Context #2 | Adjective

organization

operated or managed by the people

Synonyms

collaborative, inclusive, participatory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
democratic

Use this word when referring to a system, organization, or process where everyone has the right to vote or participate equally in decision-making. It often implies a structured and fair system.

  • The company adopted a democratic approach to decision-making, allowing all employees to cast their votes
  • The country's democratic elections ensure that every citizen's voice is heard
participatory

This word is suitable when highlighting active involvement and engagement of all members in a process or activity. It implies a hands-on approach where everyone's participation is crucial.

  • The workshop adopted a participatory approach, encouraging all attendees to actively contribute their ideas
  • A participatory classroom environment fosters greater student engagement and learning
inclusive

Use this word when stressing the importance of including people from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that everyone feels welcome and valued. It often carries a positive connotation of equity and fairness.

  • The event was designed to be inclusive, aiming to accommodate individuals with different needs and backgrounds
  • The company's inclusive culture promotes diversity and equal opportunities for all employees
collaborative

This word fits situations where working together as a team or group is emphasized, often in a project or creative setting. It implies a cooperative effort where everyone's input and ideas are valued.

  • The project was highly collaborative, requiring input from designers, engineers, and marketing experts
  • In a collaborative environment, team members share responsibilities and ideas freely

Examples of usage

  • a democratic organization
  • a democratic process
  • democratic decision-making
Context #3 | Adjective

attitude

treating everyone equally and fairly

Synonyms

equitable, impartial, just.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
democratic

Use this word when discussing systems, organizations, or societies where all members have equal rights and can participate in decision-making.

  • The company adopted a democratic approach to allow employees to vote on major policies.
  • The nation's democratic elections ensure that every citizen's voice is heard.
impartial

Use this when describing someone or something that is unbiased and not affected by personal feelings or interests.

  • The judge's decision was impartial and based solely on the evidence presented.
  • Reporters strive to remain impartial when covering news stories.
equitable

This word is appropriate when referring to situations where fairness and justice are maintained, especially in distributing resources or opportunities.

  • The school aims to provide an equitable education to all its students, regardless of their background.
  • An equitable distribution of wealth is essential for social stability.
just

This word is best used to describe actions, decisions, or systems that are based on moral rightness and fairness.

  • The new law was considered a just measure to protect the rights of all citizens.
  • He is known for being a just leader who treats everyone with respect.

Examples of usage

  • a democratic leader
  • a democratic approach
  • democratic values

Translations

Translations of the word "democratic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 democrático

🇮🇳 लोकतांत्रिक

🇩🇪 demokratisch

🇮🇩 demokratis

🇺🇦 демократичний

🇵🇱 demokratyczny

🇯🇵 民主的 (みんしゅてき)

🇫🇷 démocratique

🇪🇸 democrático

🇹🇷 demokratik

🇰🇷 민주적인

🇸🇦 ديمقراطي

🇨🇿 demokratický

🇸🇰 demokratický

🇨🇳 民主的 (mínzhǔ de)

🇸🇮 demokratičen

🇮🇸 lýðræðislegur

🇰🇿 демократиялық

🇬🇪 დემოკრატიული

🇦🇿 demokratik

🇲🇽 democrático

Etymology

The word 'democratic' originates from the Greek word 'dēmokratikos', which is a combination of 'dēmos' meaning 'people' and 'kratos' meaning 'power'. It first appeared in English in the late 18th century, during the time of political revolutions and the rise of democratic ideals.

See also: democracy, democrat, democratization.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,001, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.