plutocracy
/plu:'tɔkrəsi/ Cách viết khác : (plutarchy) /'lpu:tɑ:ki/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A political system governed by the wealthy people: A form of government or society where power is held by or concentrated in the hands of a small, wealthy class. The term implies that political influence and control are directly derived from wealth.
Examples of Usage
Advanced Usage
- "to be accused of being/becoming a plutocracy": This phrase is commonly used in political criticism to describe a perceived degeneration of a democratic system.
- The nation is increasingly accused of becoming a plutocracy, where the concerns of ordinary citizens are ignored.
- "the rise/emergence of a plutocracy": Describes the process by which a wealthy class gains dominant political power.
- The period was characterized by the rise of a plutocracy and growing social inequality.
Variants and Related Words
- Plutocrat (noun): A person who is powerful because of their wealth, especially one who is part of a ruling plutocratic class.
- The policy was seen as a gift from the plutocrats to themselves.
- Plutocratic (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of a plutocracy or plutocrats.
- The plutocratic elite controlled all major media outlets.
Synonyms
- Oligarchy (specifically a wealth-based oligarchy)
- Rule by the wealthy
- Moneyed aristocracy
Antonyms
- Democracy (rule by the people)
- Egalitarianism (belief in equality)
- Meritocracy (rule by those selected based on ability)
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "Power of the purse": While not an idiom for plutocracy itself, this phrase describes the influence that financial resources have on politics, which is the core mechanism of a plutocracy.
- The senator was clearly under the power of the purse wielded by major industry donors.
Noun
- a political system governed by the wealthy people