Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or characteristic of an oligarchy: Describes something connected to a system of government or organization where power is held by a small, privileged group.
   • Supporting an oligarchy: Describes a person, group, or principle that advocates for or upholds an oligarchic system.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The country's political system is increasingly oligarchic, with wealth concentrated in the hands of a few powerful families.
  • Historians analyzed the oligarchic structure of the ancient city-state.
  • His views are considered oligarchic because he supports rule by a wealthy elite.

Advanced Usage

• "oligarchic control": The domination or command exercised by a small, powerful group.
  • The media company is under the oligarchic control of a single family.
• "oligarchic tendencies": Inclinations or patterns within a society or organization that move toward rule by a small group.
  • The new regulations were criticized for their oligarchic tendencies, favoring large corporations.

Variants and Related Words

• Oligarchical (adjective): An alternative form with the same meaning as "oligarchic."
  • The oligarchical nature of the regime was evident.
• Oligarch (noun): A member of the small group holding power in an oligarchy.
  • The oligarchs met to decide the nation's economic policy.
• Oligarchy (noun): The system or form of government itself.
  • The nation transitioned from a democracy to an oligarchy.

Synonyms

• Aristocratic: Pertaining to a privileged ruling class (though often implies hereditary nobility).
• Plutocratic: Governed by the wealthy (a specific type of oligarchy).
• Elitist: Favoring or relating to a select group perceived as superior.

Antonyms

• Democratic: Relating to a system where power is held by the people.
• Egalitarian: Believing in or promoting equal rights for all people.
• Popular: Involving or controlled by the general populace.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or supporting or characteristic of an oligarchy