B2noun1K

Democracy

UK /["/dɪˈmɒkrəsi/"]/US /["/dɪˈmɑːkrəsi/"]/

Definition

a system of government in which the people of a country can vote to elect their representatives

In simple words: A system of government where people choose their leaders and have a say in decisions.

Examples

  • parliamentary democracy
  • the principles of democracy
  • a pro-democracy demonstration in the capital
  • the need to overcome political apathy and advance on the road to democracy
  • Western democracies
  • I thought we were supposed to be living in a democracy.
  • The country is a multiparty democracy.
  • the fight for justice and democracy
  • people who believe in true democracy

Usage notes

Used in discussions about governments, politics, and civic rights. It can refer to the system itself or democratic processes. Avoid using in casual conversations about non-political topics.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Imagine a 'demo' showcase where everyone gets a 'crazy' idea — representing people's voice in decisions!

Collocations

  • genuine
  • real
  • true
  • believe in
  • promote
  • support
  • in a/​the democracy
  • the road to democracy
  • the spread of democracy
  • genuine
  • real
  • true
  • believe in
  • promote
  • support
  • in a/​the democracy
  • the road to democracy
  • the spread of democracy
  • genuine
  • real
  • true
  • believe in
  • promote
  • support
  • in a/​the democracy
  • the road to democracy
  • the spread of democracy

Synonyms

  • republic
  • self-government
  • popular rule

Antonyms

  • autocracy
  • dictatorship

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'democratic', which describes something that relates to democracy.
  • Using it in contexts unrelated to government, like social groups or organizations.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'dee-moc-kracy' instead of 'deh-moc-ruh-see'.