Origin: Greek suffix -cracy
Democracy has 5 different meanings across 2 categories:
the political orientation of those who favor government by the people or by their elected representatives
"The debate highlighted a clear divide between supporters of democracy and advocates for authoritarian rule."
a political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them
"After decades of dictatorship, our nation finally established democracy by allowing ordinary citizens to vote for representatives who would speak on their behalf."
the doctrine that the numerical majority of an organized group can make decisions binding on the whole group
"The committee voted to adopt the new policy, trusting that democracy means the majority's choice binds everyone in the room."
Rule by the people, especially as a form of government; either directly or through elected representatives (representative democracy).
"The country transitioned from an autocratic regime to a true democracy where citizens could vote for their leaders every few years."
In plain English: Democracy is a system where people choose their leaders by voting.
"Many people believe that living in a democracy is the best way to ensure their voices are heard."
Usage: Democracy refers to a system of government where power resides with the people, exercised either directly or through elected officials. Use this term when describing political structures that prioritize popular sovereignty and voting rights over rule by a single leader or small group.
Democratic Party
"After years of working together, the incumbent senator decided to endorse her rival from the same party during the primary election."
The word democracy comes from the Ancient Greek term for "rule by the people." It traveled into English through Middle French and Medieval Latin.