Plutocrat: meaning, definitions and examples
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plutocrat
[ˈpluː.tə.kræt ]
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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
Examples of usage
- The country was controlled by a small group of powerful plutocrats.
- Plutocrats are often criticized for their disproportionate influence on politics.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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 Orwell’s '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.
Translations
Translations of the word "plutocrat" in other languages:
🇵🇹 plutocrata
🇮🇳 धनिकतंत्री
🇩🇪 Plutokrat
🇮🇩 plutokrat
🇺🇦 плутократ
🇵🇱 plutokrata
🇯🇵 富豪政治家
🇫🇷 ploutocrate
🇪🇸 plutócrata
🇹🇷 plütokrat
🇰🇷 금권 정치가
🇸🇦 بلوتوقراطي
🇨🇿 plutokrat
🇸🇰 plutokrat
🇨🇳 财阀
🇸🇮 plutokrat
🇮🇸 ríkistjórnarmaður
🇰🇿 плутократ
🇬🇪 პლუტოკრატი
🇦🇿 plütokrat
🇲🇽 plutócrata