How Do You Spell AUTHORITARIAN?
Pronunciation: [ˌɔːθɔːɹɪtˈe͡əɹi͡ən] (IPA) 
Pronunciation: [ˌɔːθɔːɹɪtˈe͡əɹi͡ən] (IPA)
The term "authoritarian" predominantly refers to a form of governance or leadership characterized by a strong concentration of power in the hands of one or a select few individuals. It embodies a system where authority is centralized and exercised with limited checks and balances. An authoritarian regime typically exhibits autocratic tendencies, where the ruling entity exercises absolute control over all aspects of society, including political, economic, and social spheres.
Such governance typically lacks elements of democratic participation, with decisions made and imposed upon the populace by the ruling authority without significant consultation or input from the people. This often results in minimal freedoms and civil liberties for citizens, with limited or no ability to influence or challenge the ruling regime's policies.
Characteristics of authoritarianism frequently include strict obedience to authority, restricted political opposition, press censorship, and suppression of dissent. The authoritarian leader or ruling body tends to maintain control through hierarchal structures, enforcement of harsh penalties for non-compliance, and limited accountability. The power dynamics within an authoritarian regime are often maintained through oppressive means rather than through a democratic mandate.
The concept of authoritarianism can also extend beyond governance and be applied to interpersonal relationships or organizations, referring to individuals or groups who display an authoritarian personality, meaning they exhibit a preference for strict adherence to rules, submission to authority, and a disposition to exercise control over others.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "authoritarian" originated from the Latin word "auctoritas", which means "authority" or "command". The term "authoritarian" itself emerged in the mid-19th century from French "autoritaire" and eventually entered the English language. It refers to a form of governance characterized by strong central authority and strict obedience to that authority.
