DictionaryAI

democratic

dem-uh-KRAT-ik/ˌdɛməˈkɹætɪk/

4 meanings of democratic

Practice

  1. 1
    people's ruleadjective
    Relating to a system where the people choose their leaders by voting.

    Like a class picking its monitor by a show of hands: everyone gets a say.

    The country held its first democratic election after years of military rule.

    Reformers wanted a democratic government where every adult could vote.

    UsageThe opposite is usually undemocratic.

    Similarrepresentative, self-governing, participatory

    Oppositeundemocratic, nondemocratic

    Note
  2. 2
    adjective
    Treating all people as equals, without special rank or privilege.

    Like sharing a pizza so everyone gets the same number of slices.

    Their family had a democratic way of making decisions, where everyone's vote counted equally.

    The club kept a democratic spirit, giving new members the same say as old ones.

    Similaregalitarian

    Note
  3. 3
    adjective
    Open to ordinary people, or cheap enough for them, not just for rich people.

    The museum is free, so it feels like a very democratic place.

    Phones with good cameras made photography a democratic hobby.

    UsageUsed for things like sports or hobbies, often with very or more: a very democratic hobby.

    Similaraccessible, affordable, inclusive

    Oppositeexclusive, elitist

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    noundatedcountableplural
    A person who supports democracy and government chosen by the people.
    For that equality among the multitude which democratics explore, is not only just among those of a similar rank but is advantageous.
    1811, Aristotle, “The Politics. Book V. Chapter VIII.”Here, democratics means people who support government by the people.
    This kingly government (as some call it) is a thing that our democraticks cannot brook: we are an undone people if we do not down with that.
    1692, Gershom Bulkeley, “Will and Doom, or The Miseries of Connecticut by and under an Usurped and Arbitrary Power.”

    UsageToday people say a democrat for this.

    Similardemocrat

    Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Greek words meaning 'the people' and 'rule' or 'power', through Latin and French words meaning 'of democracy'.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

  • The word ultimately derives from Greek elements meaning the people and rule or power. en.wikipedia.org
  • Latin and French intermediaries mean pertaining to democracy. en.wiktionary.org