Antidemocratic is spelled as /æntiˌdiːməˈkrætɪk/. The word is composed of the prefix "anti-" meaning against or opposite, and the root word "democratic" which refers to a system of government by the people. The spelling of this word adheres to the basic phonetic patterns of the English language. The stress falls on the third syllable, which is emphasized by the longer vowel sound in "dem" and "crat". The consonant clusters "nt" and "km" are pronounced separately.
Antidemocratic refers to ideas, actions, or institutions that are contrary to or opposed to the principles and characteristics of democracy. Democracy is a system of government in which the power and decision-making authority are vested in the people, who exercise it either directly or through elected representatives. It encompasses values such as equality, freedom of speech, transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
An antidemocratic action or behavior may involve suppressing the rights and freedoms of individuals, denying them political participation, or disregarding the principles of fairness and inclusivity in governance. This can manifest through actions such as restricting access to voting, manipulating electoral processes, silencing dissenting voices, undermining civil liberties, or eroding the independence of democratic institutions.
Furthermore, institutions or organizations can be considered antidemocratic if they operate in a manner that restricts, subverts, or undermines democratic principles. This may include exclusive decision-making structures, lack of transparency, unaccountable leadership, or the promotion of authoritarianism.
The term "antidemocratic" is often used to criticize or identify practices that deviate from democratic norms. It helps to distinguish actions or systems that endanger the foundation of democracy and work against its core principles. Antidemocratic practices are regarded as threats to the democratic fabric of a society and may erode trust in institutions, compromise citizens' rights, and lead to social and political imbalances.
The word "antidemocratic" is derived from two components: "anti" and "democratic".
The prefix "anti-" comes from the Greek word "antí", meaning "against" or "opposite of". It is often used to indicate opposition, resistance, or negation.
The term "democratic" comes from the combination of two Greek words. "Demos" means "people", while "kratos" means "power" or "rule". Therefore, "democratic" translates to "power of the people" or "rule by the people".
When the prefix "anti-" is added to "democratic", it forms "antidemocratic", which conveys a meaning of being opposed to democracy or contrary to democratic principles.