oligarchy
English meaning: Oligarchy
English Definition
(English)An oligarchy concentrates political power among a small number of people who share similar interests. Unlike democracy (rule by many) or monarchy (rule by one), oligarchies are ruled by a privileged few — often wealthy elites, military generals, or hereditary nobles — who govern primarily in their own interests.
English Definition
A form of government in which power is concentrated in the hands of a small, elite group — typically defined by wealth, family, military power, or religious influence. Examples include ancient Sparta and some modern petrostates.
Example
“Critics argue that unlimited political campaign financing can turn democracies into de facto oligarchies.”
In English: “Unlimited campaign finance can allow wealthy elites to dominate politics.”
Synonyms
- plutocracy
- aristocracy
- elite rule
Antonyms / Opposites
- democracy
- meritocracy
- egalitarianism
Literary Heritage
“O, it is excellent to have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous to use it like a giant.”
“O, it is excellent to have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous to use it like a giant.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B