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oligarchy

Oligarchy (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/ˈɒl ɪˌgɑr ki/

What does oligarchy mean?

A form of government or social system in which power and control are held by a small group of individuals or families.
"The oligarchy's policies favored the interests of the wealthy elite."

Detailed Meaning of Oligarchy

In an oligarchy, the ruling authority is concentrated in the hands of a privileged few, often based on wealth, social status, or hereditary factors. This small group of individuals, known as the oligarchs, exercises significant influence over political, economic, and social affairs, while the majority of the population has limited or no access to political power. Oligarchies can manifest in various ways, such as aristocracies, plutocracies, or military juntas. The oligarchic structure often perpetuates inequality and can result in a lack of accountability, as power is consolidated within the hands of a select few. Oligarchies can be seen as contrasting models to democratic or egalitarian systems, as they prioritize the interests and influence of a privileged minority over the collective welfare of the entire society.

Example Sentences for Oligarchy

1. The country's political system had transformed into an oppressive oligarchy.
2. The ruling oligarchy controlled every aspect of the nation's economy.
3. Power in the oligarchy was passed down through generations of influential families.
4. The oligarchy amassed immense wealth while the majority of the population struggled.
5. The citizens protested against the oligarchy's corruption and lack of transparency.
6. The oligarchy maintained a tight grip on the media, suppressing dissenting voices.

Origin and Etymology of Oligarchy

The noun 'oligarchy' derives its etymology from the combination of two ancient Greek words: 'oligos,' meaning 'few,' and 'arkhein,' meaning 'to rule' or 'to govern.' In ancient Greece, where the concept of democracy was born, 'oligarchy' was used to describe a form of government where political power and control were concentrated in the hands of a select few individuals or families, as opposed to the broader citizenry. This term underscores the fundamental idea that 'oligarchy' is characterized by the rule or dominance of a small and privileged elite. Its etymology reflects the Greek roots of the concept, emphasizing the significance of the 'few' who hold authority within such a system.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun oligarchy:

egalitarianism

republic

democracy

autocracy

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More Usage Examples of Oligarchy

1. The overthrow of the oligarchy led to hopes of a more inclusive government.
2. The oligarchy's control over the judiciary compromised the rule of law.
3. The oligarchy enacted policies that further widened the wealth gap.
4. The oligarchy exploited the natural resources of the country for personal gain.
5. Dissent was swiftly silenced by the oligarchy's security forces.
6. The oligarchy's lavish lifestyles stood in stark contrast to the poverty experienced by the majority.
7. Opposition parties faced significant hurdles in challenging the oligarchy's dominance.
8. The oligarchy's influence reached into every sector of society, leaving little room for independent voices.
9. The nation was ruled by an oppressive oligarchy for decades.
10. Citizens protested against the corrupt oligarchy's grip on power.
11. In this oligarchy, a select few control the country's wealth.
12. The oligarchy's policies favored the elite at the expense of the majority.
13. A secretive oligarchy controlled the influential media outlets.
14. The oligarchy's wealth and influence extended across borders.
15. Dissent against the ruling oligarchy was swiftly suppressed.
16. Oligarchy's rise to power alarmed advocates of democracy.
17. The oligarchy's policies perpetuated income inequality.
18. The oligarchy maintained its grip through a network of loyalists.
19. The nation's oligarchy amassed vast fortunes through corruption.
20. Oligarchy's dominance left little room for political opposition.
21. Critics argued that the oligarchy undermined democratic values.
22. The wealthy oligarchy controlled key industries and resources.
23. The people yearned for a government free from oligarchic influence.
24. The oligarchy's downfall brought hope for a more just society.
25. The oligarchy used propaganda to maintain public support.
26. International pressure mounted against the ruling oligarchy.
27. The oligarchy's rule led to economic stagnation and poverty.
28. Grassroots movements aimed to dismantle the oppressive oligarchy.