plutocratic
|plu-to-crat-ic|
🇺🇸
/ˌpluːtəˈkrætɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌpljuːtəˈkrætɪk/
rule by the wealthy
Etymology
'plutocratic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ploutokratia', where 'ploutos' meant 'wealth' and 'kratos' meant 'power' (the adjective is formed in English with the suffix '-ic').
'ploutokratia' entered English as 'plutocracy' (via Modern Latin/French formations) and the adjective 'plutocratic' developed later by adding the English adjectival suffix '-ic' to form a word meaning 'relating to plutocracy'.
Initially, the root terms referred literally to 'rule by the wealthy'; over time, the adjective came to describe both actual systems dominated by wealth and more general characteristics or actions that favor the wealthy, often with a critical nuance.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or characteristic of a plutocracy — a system or situation in which power and influence are held by the wealthy.
The nation's plutocratic elite controlled major industries and influenced government policy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adjective 2
favoring or indicative of rule, privilege, or influence by the wealthy (often used critically).
Critics described the tax reforms as plutocratic, benefiting only the richest citizens.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/17 02:55