Plutocrat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฐ
plutocrat
[หpluห.tษ.krรฆt ]
Definition
wealthy ruling class
A plutocrat is a member of a wealthy ruling class or a group that exercises power through its wealth. Plutocrats often have a significant influence on government policies and decisions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| plutocrat |
Plutocrat is used to describe someone who has significant power or influence due to their wealth. It often carries a negative connotation, implying that the person may use their wealth to exert undue influence or control.
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| oligarch |
Oligarch refers to a member of a small group that holds a significant amount of power in a country, typically based on their wealth. It often has a negative connotation, suggesting corruption and abuse of power.
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| tycoon |
Tycoon is used to describe a wealthy and powerful businessperson, especially one who has accumulated their wealth and influence through hard work and skill. This term generally has a positive or neutral connotation.
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| magnate |
Magnate is a term often used for someone who is very successful and influential in a particular industry, such as media, oil, or real estate. It carries a more neutral or even positive connotation compared to plutocrat.
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Examples of usage
- The country was controlled by a small group of powerful plutocrats.
- Plutocrats are often criticized for their disproportionate influence on politics.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- Throughout history, powerful families, such as the Medicis in Renaissance Italy, have acted as plutocrats, controlling wealth and influencing governance.
- The Gilded Age in the United States saw the rise of industrial plutocrats like Rockefeller and Carnegie, whose fortunes greatly impacted economics and politics.
Political Implications
- In modern democracies, the term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that wealth can corrupt political systems.
- Plutocracy is contrasted with democracy, where political power ideally resides with the average citizen, rather than the wealthy elite.
Cultural References
- The concept of plutocracy is explored in various books and films, such as George Orwellโs '1984', highlighting the dangers of wealth concentration.
- Modern satirical media, like shows and cartoons, often depict plutocrats as out of touch with everyday people's struggles.
Contemporary Issues
- With the rise of big donors in political campaigns, discussions about plutocracy have become more relevant, especially around election seasons.
- Wealth inequality in many societies has led to criticisms of how plutocrats can wield disproportionate influence over policies and governance.
Origin of 'plutocrat'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Greek words 'ploutos', meaning wealth, and 'kratos', meaning power or rule.
- It first appeared in English in the late 19th century, reflecting concerns about the influence of wealthy individuals in politics.
The term 'plutocrat' originated from the Greek words 'ploutos' meaning wealth and 'kratos' meaning rule. It first appeared in English in the late 19th century to describe individuals who wielded power and influence due to their immense wealth. Plutocracy, the system where the wealthy class rules, has been a topic of debate throughout history.
See also: Pluto.