Pronunciation: [dɪsˈɛntɹəlˌa͡ɪz] (IPA) 
The word "decentralise" (IPA: diːˈsɛntrəlaɪz) is spelled with the prefix "de-" meaning "to undo" or "reverse", followed by "centralise", which means to concentrate power or control in one central authority. Thus, "decentralise" means to distribute that power or control among multiple authorities or individuals. In British English, the spelling is with an -s-, while in American English, it's spelled with a -z-.
Decentralize refers to the act or process of redistributing authority, power, or decision-making away from a central authority or organization to a number of more autonomous and locally based entities. It involves transferring control or dispersing power to various levels or units within a system, aiming to distribute responsibility, resources, and decision-making capabilities to a wider range of individuals or groups.
In a decentralized system, decision-making and operational responsibilities are shared among multiple smaller units or individuals, allowing for greater flexibility, adaptability, and participation in decision-making processes. This dispersal of power can occur across various domains, such as political, economic, social, or administrative structures.
The objective of decentralization can be to enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, promote local development, increase accountability, and empower local communities or individuals. By reducing reliance on a central authority, decentralization can mitigate inefficiencies, bureaucratic delays, and corruption often associated with concentrated power.
Different forms of decentralization can exist, including administrative, political, fiscal, or market decentralization, each referring to the transfer of specific functions, powers, or responsibilities to lower-level entities or actors. The degree to which power is decentralized varies, ranging from partial decentralization, where certain responsibilities are shared between central and local entities, to complete decentralization, where all authority and decision-making powers are delegated to local units or individuals.
It is important to note that decentralization processes can differ depending on the context, goals, and specific political, legal, and cultural factors of a country or organization.
The word decentralise has its roots in the Latin language.
Decentralise comes from the combination of two words: de meaning down or away in Latin, and centralise which is formed from the Latin word centrum meaning center or central point.
Therefore, the etymology of decentralise suggests that it originated from the Latin phrase de centralis, which can be translated as down from the center or to move away from the center.
