Oligarch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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oligarch

[ˈɒlɪɡɑːk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

wealthy businessmen

An oligarch is a very rich business leader with a great deal of political influence.

Synonyms

baron, magnate, tycoon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
oligarch	Commonly used to describe a very wealthy and powerful person who has a significant influence on political and economic matters, often in countries with less transparent or emerging economies. The Russian oligarch wielded considerable power within the government. Critics claim the country is controlled by a small group of oligarchs.
tycoon	Used to describe someone who is very successful in business and is often a self-made individual, evoking a sense of admiration. It is generally neutral to positive. The tech tycoon revolutionized the industry with his innovative products. After years of hard work, she finally became a retail tycoon.
magnate	Refers to a person who is very successful and influential in a particular industry, usually used in a positive or neutral manner. He became a real estate magnate at a very young age. The shipping magnate turned his small company into a global powerhouse.
baron	Typically used historically or in a metaphorical sense to identify a powerful individual in a specific industry, often nobility or someone with hereditary power. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying exploitation or monopolistic practices. The media baron acquired another newspaper. During the 19th century, the railroad barons were incredibly influential.

Examples of usage

The country's oligarchs control a significant portion of the economy.
The oligarchs have close ties to the government.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

Russia/Ukraine context

In Russia and Ukraine, an oligarch is a member of a small group of powerful individuals who control the country's economy.

Synonyms

business magnate, industrialist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
oligarch	This term is often used to describe very wealthy business individuals who have significant political influence. It often carries a negative connotation, implying corruption or unethical power. The media reported that the oligarch had close ties with the government. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, many oligarchs emerged with vast fortunes.
business magnate	This phrase is used to describe a successful and influential person in the business world. It typically does not carry a negative connotation and focuses more on the individual's achievements. The business magnate invested heavily in tech startups. As a business magnate, she has built an empire from scratch.
industrialist	This word is often used to refer to leaders in the industrial sector, especially those who own or manage large manufacturing enterprises. It usually does not have a negative connotation. Henry Ford is a well-known industrialist who revolutionized the automobile industry. The industrialist was known for his innovative approach to manufacturing.

Word

Description / Examples

oligarch

This term is often used to describe very wealthy business individuals who have significant political influence. It often carries a negative connotation, implying corruption or unethical power.

The media reported that the oligarch had close ties with the government.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, many oligarchs emerged with vast fortunes.

business magnate

This phrase is used to describe a successful and influential person in the business world. It typically does not carry a negative connotation and focuses more on the individual's achievements.

The business magnate invested heavily in tech startups.
As a business magnate, she has built an empire from scratch.

industrialist

This word is often used to refer to leaders in the industrial sector, especially those who own or manage large manufacturing enterprises. It usually does not have a negative connotation.

Henry Ford is a well-known industrialist who revolutionized the automobile industry.
The industrialist was known for his innovative approach to manufacturing.

Examples of usage

The oligarchs in Russia amassed their wealth after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Ukrainian oligarchs have a significant impact on the country's political landscape.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Political Structure

Oligarchs often emerge in systems where power is concentrated, such as in authoritarian regimes.
They can influence government decisions significantly through control over key industries like energy and finance.
In modern contexts, oligarchies can occur in democracies as well, where wealth leads to political influence.

Historical Context

Notable examples include oligarchies in Russia after the Soviet Union collapsed, where billionaires gained immense power.
In ancient Sparta, a small group of elites controlled military and political decisions, showcasing early oligarchic governance.
The term gained attention during the Russian economic shifts in the 1990s, highlighting how wealthy individuals shaped politics.

Pop Culture

Oligarchs have been depicted in various films and literature as powerful antagonists or influential figures.
Television shows like 'Succession' explore the dynamics of family-owned businesses, similar to oligarchic structures.
In video games, storylines often feature oligarchic factions that control vast territories or resources.

Economics

Oligarchs can significantly impact economic policies and practices, often leading to wealth inequality.
Their control over resources and media can lead to monopolistic practices that stifle competition.
Economic power in the hands of a few can result in less effective governance and corruption.

Origin of 'oligarch'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Greek 'oligarkhia', meaning 'rule of a few'.
It is a combination of 'oligos', meaning 'few', and 'arkhein', meaning 'to rule'.
The term originated in ancient Greece, where it described a political system controlled by a small number of people.

The term 'oligarch' originated from the ancient Greek word 'oligarkhes', which referred to a member of a small governing group. In modern usage, it is often associated with wealthy business leaders who wield significant political power, particularly in post-Soviet countries like Russia and Ukraine.