democracy

Pronunciation

Here is the IPA phonetic spelling for "democracy" with a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:

• dɪˈmɒkrəsi (This is the most common pronunciation in both American and British English)
  
  

• di - /d/: voiced alveolar plosive (similar to the "d" in "dog")

• mə - /ɪ/: short vowel sound like the "i" in "bit"

• kra - /ɒ/: short open "o" sound (like the "o" in "cot")

• si - /k/: voiceless velar plosive (similar to the "k" in "key")

• cy - /ɹ/: alveolar approximant (similar to the "r" in "run")

• ˈ - primary stress on the first syllable (di)

Word Form Variations

Democracy itself doesn't have any variations based on singular or plural. It refers to the overall system itself.

However, there are related terms that can be pluralized:

• Democratize (verb) - the act of making something more democratic. This can be pluralized as "democratizes".

• Democrat (noun) - someone who supports democracy or a particular political party associated with democracy. This can be pluralized as "Democrats".

• Democratic (adjective) - relating to or supporting democracy. This can be used in various grammatical constructions but doesn't change form itself.

There are also compound terms using democracy that can be pluralized depending on the context:

• Democratic republic (a specific type of democracy) - This can be pluralized as "democratic republics".

• Democratic nation (a country with a democratic system) - This can be pluralized as "democratic nations".

Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms

Noun:

• Definition 1: A system of government where the citizens hold power, either directly or through elected representatives. (Synonyms: popular rule, self-government Antonyms: autocracy, dictatorship, oligarchy)

• Definition 2: A society or country that practises democratic government. (Synonyms: democratic nation, republic Antonyms: totalitarian state, absolute monarchy)

Adjective:

• Definition: Relating to or based on the principles of democracy. (Synonyms: democratic, representative Antonyms: authoritarian, totalitarian, dictatorial)

Examples of Use

Democracy in the Real World:

Books:

• Non-Fiction: "The history of democracy is a long and complex one, with many different forms emerging throughout history." (Democracy and the Market)

• Fiction: "In the dystopian novel, the citizens yearned for a return to the democracy they had lost."

Newspapers:

• Headline: "President Calls for Upholding Democratic Values in the Face of Rising Authoritarianism" 

Online Publications:

• "Social media platforms struggle to balance free speech with the spread of misinformation that can threaten democracy." 

Entertainment Mediums:

• Movie: A historical drama depicts the fight for democracy in a particular country.

• Television: A political drama explores the challenges and triumphs of a functioning democracy.

General Public Discourse:

• "Many people believe that a strong democracy is essential for economic prosperity."

• "The debate raged on about the best way to protect democratic institutions."

Platforms:

• Social Media: "Users debate the merits of different democratic systems on a social media platform." (Platform: Twitter, Facebook, etc.)

10 Famous Quotes Using the term Democracy

1. "Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people." (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address)

2. "Democracy is a process, not a static condition. It is becoming, rather than being. It can easily be lost, but never is fully won." (Adlai E. Stevenson II, American politician)

3. "The ballot is stronger than the bullet." (Abraham Lincoln) (This quote, while not directly mentioning democracy, is strongly associated with the power of citizens in a democratic system)

4. "Freedom can never be safeguarded if the freedom to differ is curtailed." (Justice William O. Douglas, U.S. Supreme Court)

5. "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." (Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister) (This quote, while critical, still uses the word democracy)

6. "You cannot ensure democracy to others unless you have it yourself." (Eleanor Roosevelt, American diplomat)

7. "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves." (Abraham Lincoln) (Similar to quote #3, this emphasises the connection between democracy and individual liberty)

8. "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." (William Pitt the Elder, British statesman) (Though not specifically about democracy, this quote highlights the ongoing effort required to maintain a free society)

9. "A functioning, robust democracy requires a healthy, educated, participatory followership, and an educated, morally grounded leadership." (James MacGregor Burns, American political scientist)

10. "Democracy doesn't recognize east or west; democracy is simply people's will." (Shirin Ebadi, Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate)

Etymology

The word "democracy" is all about the people having the power! It comes from Ancient Greece, where people gathered in city-states to make decisions.

• Demos in Greek means "common people."

• Kratos means "rule" or "might."

So, put together, "democracy" literally means "rule by the people."

The ancient Greeks were the first ones we know of to use this word, around 450 BC. Back then, Athens was known for being a democracy, although it wasn't exactly like the democracies we have today. Only a small portion of the population, like freeborn men, could actually vote. But it was a big step towards a system where citizens had a say in how things were run!

Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Democracy

• Grassroots democracy: This refers to decision-making power resting with ordinary people at the local level.

• Strengthen democracy: Actions taken to improve the functioning and fairness of a democratic system.

• In the name of democracy: Used to justify actions, sometimes even military intervention, under the claim of promoting democracy. (Can be used sincerely or cynically)

• Democratic deficit: A situation where citizens feel they have little influence on government decisions.

• Flawed democracy: A democracy that may not fully protect all citizens' rights or have fair elections.

• Illiberal democracy: A democracy that restricts some individual freedoms in the name of security or order.

• Empty democracy: A system that holds elections but real power lies elsewhere, like with the military or wealthy elites.

• Marketplace of ideas: This metaphor describes the free exchange of opinions in a democratic society.

• Silent majority: The idea that most people support a particular view but don't express it publicly. (This concept can be used to undermine democratic participation)

Posts Related to Democracy

Source Information

Definition of democracy from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.