How Do You Spell OLIGARCHIC?

Pronunciation: [ˌɒlɪɡˈɑːkɪk] (IPA)

The word "oligarchic" is derived from the Greek word "oligarkhia", which means "rule by a few". The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˌɒlɪˈɡɑːrki/. The first syllable "olig" is pronounced as "ah-lee-guh" and the second syllable "archic" is pronounced as "ahr-kihk". The spelling of this word follows the English convention of using the letter "o" to represent the long vowel sound "oh", and "ch" to represent the "k" sound. Overall, the word is a relatively straightforward example of the English language's borrowing of words from other cultures.

OLIGARCHIC Meaning and Definition

1. Oligarchic is an adjective that describes a system or society that is governed or controlled by a small group of individuals who hold significant power, influence, or wealth. Derived from the word "oligarchy," which refers to a form of government in which power is concentrated in the hands of a few, the term oligarchic indicates a state where a select few have substantial control over various aspects of society, such as politics, economy, or social institutions.

   In an oligarchic system, decision-making often favors the interests and desires of the privileged elite, leading to a concentration and perpetuation of wealth and influence among the few. Oligarchic societies typically lack a fair distribution of power, as well as equal opportunities for all members. Oligarchs tend to retain their positions and accumulate more power, often through nepotism, cronyism, or manipulation of the system.

   Oligarchic systems can vary in their degree of transparency and citizen involvement. Some oligarchic governments may maintain a facade of democracy, providing citizens with limited rights and participation in order to legitimize their rule. In other cases, oligarchy may be more apparent, openly disregarding democratic principles and perpetrating widespread corruption or suppression of dissent.

   The term "oligarchic" may also be used more broadly to describe any system, organization, or group wherein power or influence is primarily held by a small, privileged segment of individuals.

2. Pert. to government by a few.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for OLIGARCHIC

• oligarchtic
• ologarcic
• oligarchial
• iligarchic
• kligarchic
• lligarchic
• pligarchic
• 0ligarchic
• 9ligarchic
• okigarchic
• opigarchic
• ooigarchic
• olligarchic
• ollgarchick
• olegarchic

Etymology of OLIGARCHIC

The word "oligarchic" comes from the noun "oligarchy".

The term "oligarchy" originated from the combination of two Greek words: "oligos", meaning "few", and "arkhein", meaning "to rule" or "to govern". In ancient Greek society, an oligarchy referred to a form of government where power was concentrated in the hands of a small group of wealthy and influential individuals.

By adding the suffix "-ic" to the noun form, the word "oligarchic" became an adjective, commonly used to describe something related to or characteristic of an oligarchy. It is often used to describe systems, governments, or societies with power and control exercised by a privileged few.

Similar spelling words for OLIGARCHIC

• oligarchy,
• oligarchical,
• ollgarchic,
• oligarch.