Definition

1. Noun:
   • An advocate of democratic principles: A person who believes in or supports the ideas of democracy, which is a system of government where the people hold the power, either directly or through elected representatives.
   • A member of the Democratic Party: In the United States, a person who belongs to the Democratic Party, one of the two major contemporary political parties.

Examples

• As an advocate of democratic principles:
  • She has always been a true democrat, fighting for free and fair elections.
  • The philosopher was a democrat who wrote extensively about popular sovereignty.
• As a member of the Democratic Party:
  • He has been a registered Democrat for twenty years.
  • The senator is a leading Democrat on the committee.

Advanced Usage

• Small-d democrat: This phrase distinguishes a general believer in democracy (a democrat) from a formal member of the Democratic Party (a Democrat). Capitalization is often the key difference in writing.
  • Although not a party member, he is a small-d democrat at heart.
• Jacksonian Democrat: A historical term referring to a supporter of the policies of U.S. President Andrew Jackson or the democratic ideals associated with his era in the 19th century.

Variants and Related Words

• Democratic (adj): Relating to or supporting democracy or the Democratic Party.
  • a democratic society; the Democratic candidate
• Democracy (n): A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.
• Democratize (v): To introduce a democratic system or democratic principles to an organization or country.

Synonyms

• Egalitarian: A person who believes in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities. (This overlaps with the philosophical aspect of being a democrat.)
• Populist: A person, especially a politician, who strives to appeal to ordinary people. (This can be related but is not identical, as populism does not always align with democratic institutions.)

Related Phrases

• Democrat in name only (DINO): A derogatory term used within U.S. politics to describe a person who is a member of the Democratic Party but whose views or actions are perceived as not aligning with core party values.
  • Some progressive activists accused the moderate senator of being a DINO.

Idioms

Note: There are no common idioms that use the single, isolated word "democrat." Idioms typically involve the related adjective "democratic" (e.g., "the democratic process").

Noun

1. an advocate of democratic principles
2. a member of the Democratic Party