Plutocratic: meaning, definitions and examples

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plutocratic

 

[ ploo-tuh-krat-ik ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

political influence

Plutocratic refers to a system of governance or influence where wealthy individuals hold power and influence over political decisions and policies. In a plutocratic society, the affluent class wields significant control, often to the detriment of the wider populace. This term highlights the disparities that arise when financial status determines access to political power and resources. Plutocracy can lead to governance that primarily serves the interests of the wealthy, thereby neglecting the needs of lower-income citizens.

Synonyms

elite, financially powerful, wealthy

Examples of usage

  • The city has a plutocratic government that favors the interests of its wealthy donors.
  • In a plutocratic society, legislation may often reflect the priorities of the affluent.
  • Many critics argue that the current political system is becoming increasingly plutocratic.

Translations

Translations of the word "plutocratic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 plutocrático

🇮🇳 धनाधिपत्यवादी

🇩🇪 plutokratisch

🇮🇩 plutokrat

🇺🇦 плутократний

🇵🇱 plutokratyczny

🇯🇵 プルートクラティック

🇫🇷 ploutocratique

🇪🇸 plutocrático

🇹🇷 plütokratik

🇰🇷 플루토크라틱

🇸🇦 بلوتوقراطي

🇨🇿 plutokratický

🇸🇰 plutokratický

🇨🇳 富豪政治的

🇸🇮 plutokratičen

🇮🇸 plútókrata

🇰🇿 плутократиялық

🇬🇪 პლუტოკრატი

🇦🇿 plutokratik

🇲🇽 plutocrático

Word origin

The word 'plutocratic' is derived from the root 'pluto-', which comes from the Greek word 'ploutos' meaning 'wealth'. The suffix '-cratic' comes from the Greek 'kratos', meaning 'power' or 'rule'. Together, they form a term that emphasizes the influence of wealth on political power. The concept of plutocracy has been discussed since ancient times, but it gained more prominence during the industrial and economic revolutions when wealth became more concentrated in the hands of a few. Historically, societies with strong elements of plutocracy have faced criticism and calls for reform, especially when the interests of the wealthy contrast sharply with those of the broader population. The modern discourse surrounding plutocracy often intersects with discussions about democracy, economic inequality, and social justice.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,902, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.